The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is on the cusp of launching a transformative regional innovation fund aimed at nurturing startups and small enterprises across member states. This initiative seeks to address funding gaps and provide entrepreneurs with resources to innovate and expand.
The fund, developed in partnership with regional financial institutions, will prioritize sectors such as technology, renewable energy, and agribusiness. It aims to foster a culture of innovation that can compete globally while solving local challenges like food insecurity and unemployment. Key pilot projects are already underway in Namibia, Botswana, and Malawi, with promising results. This development positions SADC as a dynamic hub for entrepreneurial growth and innovation