As we reflect on the past year, we find ourselves in an operating environment that continues to test our resilience and adaptability. The ongoing global economic uncertainties, coupled with local And regional challenges, have presented both obstacles and opportunities for our work in fostering Africa’s development.
Our mission to champion and coordinate development programmes through public and private sector partnerships remains more relevant than ever. Despite the hurdles, I am proud to report that our commitment to this mission has not only endured but strengthened, driving our efforts to enable inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the continent.
Our 2024-25 strategy
We have approached this coming year’s strategy by carefully evaluating the current context, the relevance of our
activities, and our ability to effectively execute them. While the NBF remains a relevant organisation, we recognise the need to narrow our focus and prioritise the most impactful initiatives to ensure manageability.
To truly realise our successes, we need to identify strong public and private sector champions aligned with our work, enhance our capacity to source and deliver new business opportunities, bolster our internal team’s skills for project management and execution, and consistently communicate our value and accomplishments. Additionally, positioning ourselves for major, multi-year projects and grants is a key focus.
Moving forward, we aim to solidify our role as a development partner. Incorporating advertising, sponsored
content and events into our revenue model will be more carefully considered. Effective stakeholder management
through updated or new MoUs will also be essential to evidence our mandate for prioritised activities.
Based on our value proposition, market conditions, revenue potential, and proven track record, our primary focus will be on addressing water-related challenges, particularly Non- Revenue Water. Simultaneously, we will continue to prioritise existing programmes like Water Partnerships, SWPN, SADC BC, Afri-ID, and Pharma, while limiting new multi-stakeholder, business-funded programmes to areas such as Gas Cliff Resolution, the Multisectoral Rail Working Group, the Maputo Corridor, and Gauteng Water Security.
Our achievements
During the 2023-24 period, we demonstrated our commitment to improving the state of the region through our Afri-ID transport and energy programmes, SADC BC and SWPN.
Through the Afri-ID, we continued efforts around the North-South Rail Corridor (NSC) Feasibility study and have begun implementing transactions as recommended by the study. Following the commencement of Phase II of the regional gas masterplan with the SADC Secretariat, we have had the Southern Africa Regional Gas Master Plan (SRGM) endorsed by SADC Heads of State and Government representatives. This marked a historic milestone in unlocking the region’s economic potential through strategic gas infrastructure development.
The SADC BC continues to work towards the simplification, modernisation and harmonisation of export and import processes through trade facilitation, resolving Non-Tariff Barriers (NTB) and harmonisation of tax regulations. Further, SADC BC supports the acceleration of the AfCFTA agreement, implementation of a regional circular economy, and development of the Tourism sector and Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
In addition, the SADC BC launched the SADC – Africa Trade and Investment Marketplace, and Southern African
Development Community (SADC) Tourism Business Platform (TBP). Additionally, the SADC BC successfully mobilised regional businesses, government, and civil society leaders to develop a circular economy, waste management and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) platform.
The SADC BC hosted the first Southern African Industrialisation Forum 2024 after the sudden cancellation of SADC Industrialisation Week which was set to take place in August 2023. The hybrid event was sponsored by the
African Development Bank Group, African Export-Import Bank, BADEA – Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, Banco SOL, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and the Graça Machel Trust.
The SWPN remains committed to closing a 17% gap between water supply and demand that is anticipated to
manifest by the year 2030 in South Africa. In support of this, the SWPN launched the Johannesburg and Nelson Mandela Bay Water Partnerships to help address water challenges and promote sustainable water access. Additionally, the SWPN, South African Breweries (SAB) and Anglo-American handed over two Water Efficiency Leakage Reduction project reports to the City of Polokwane through a partnership with the municipality to protect and conserve the region’s scarce water resources.
With funding from GIZ, SWPN in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural
Development and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is implementing a project to build
the capacity of community members in three provinces on Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) approaches, including greywater reuse in tower gardens and rooftop rainwater harvesting with gravity-based drip irrigation.
The project aims to support 180 direct beneficiaries to become more water-resilient and improve their livelihoods through these CSA interventions.
In addition, we advanced and popularised the NSC Corridor Management concept and positioned for the Maputo
Corridor Management Institute (CMI). We continued to engage and initiate potential partnerships within the Water, Rail and Ports and Digital sectors.
Stakeholder engagements
Through quality engagements with our stakeholders, we deliberated on topical issues and generate ideas to address a range of social, economic, and environment-related issues affecting the region. During the reporting period we hosted two Nedbank-NBF Networking Forums, themed “Connecting the Unconnected: Telco Landscape in SA” and “Catalysing water and sanitation infrastructure investments,” respectively.
Key takeaway
The past year has reinforced the critical importance of adaptability and collaboration. While challenges persist,
we’ve seen unprecedented willingness from both public and private sectors to innovate and cooperate. This spirit
of collaboration is key to unlocking Africa’s potential and driving sustainable growth.
Vote of thanks
Our achievements would not be possible without the unwavering support of our stakeholders. To our corporate
members, partners, donors, and funders: your trust in our vision continues to be our greatest asset.
I extend my deepest gratitude to our patrons, board members, and the entire NBF team. Your dedication and
resilience in the face of challenges continue to inspire and drive our mission forward.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to our mantra: “Business for sustainable development in Africa.”
With your continued support, we are confident in our ability to turn challenges into opportunities and contribute to a more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable Africa.
Peter Varndell
CEO – NEPAD Business Foundation