Strengthening National-Regional Linkages in SADC Programme

Deadline: 21-Sep-2026

Applications are open to support Southern African Development Community (SADC) Member States with technical assistance to strengthen communication, awareness, and visibility of regional integration initiatives. The call focuses on two key areas: developing national gender-sensitive communication strategies and documenting and disseminating SADC success stories. The assistance is designed to strengthen the ability of state institutions to communicate SADC priorities, achievements, and opportunities effectively to citizens, stakeholders, and the media. Importantly, this opportunity provides direct technical assistance rather than financial grants.

About the SADC Technical Assistance Call

The call provides targeted technical support to SADC Member States seeking to improve how they communicate regional integration priorities and achievements. The assistance focuses on strengthening institutional communication capacity while ensuring that communication approaches are inclusive and gender-sensitive.

The programme covers two thematic areas:

- Development of national gender-sensitive communication strategies. - Documentation and dissemination of SADC success stories. Purpose of the Technical Assistance The initiative aims to help Member States communicate the value and impact of regional integration more effectively.

The support seeks to:

- Strengthen communication capacity within state institutions. - Improve awareness of SADC priorities. - Increase visibility of SADC achievements. - Communicate regional opportunities more effectively. - Improve public understanding of regional integration. - Promote inclusive and gender-sensitive communication. - Strengthen engagement with citizens, stakeholders, and media. - Document successful regional integration initiatives. - Support stronger regional cooperation.

Thematic Area 1: National Gender-Sensitive Communication Strategies

The first area of support focuses on developing national gender-sensitive communication strategies. The strategies are intended to help state institutions communicate SADC priorities and opportunities in ways that are inclusive and responsive to gender considerations. Technical assistance can help institutions strengthen their communication planning, messaging, and engagement approaches while ensuring that gender inclusion is incorporated into communication activities.

Thematic Area 2: SADC Success Stories

The second thematic area focuses on the documentation and dissemination of SADC success stories. Success stories can help demonstrate the practical benefits and achievements associated with regional integration. Support may include developing stories, packaging communication products, and disseminating them to relevant audiences. Communication Products and Dissemination The technical assistance may support activities related to the development, packaging, and dissemination of communication products. These activities are intended to make SADC achievements and regional integration initiatives easier for citizens, stakeholders, and media organizations to understand and engage with. Applicants should demonstrate how the proposed support will improve the visibility and reach of relevant SADC messages. Capacity Development Capacity development is another important component of the technical assistance. Support can address capacity at three levels: - Individual level. - Organizational level. - Systemic level. This approach recognizes that effective communication requires not only skilled individuals but also strong institutional structures and systems. No Direct Financial Grant The opportunity should not be considered a conventional grant programme. Support is provided exclusively as direct technical assistance. Applicants therefore seek technical expertise and capacity development rather than unrestricted financial funding. This distinction is important when preparing a proposal because applicants should clearly explain the communication challenge, technical assistance required, expected outcomes, and institutional capacity to sustain improvements. Expected Impact The technical assistance is expected to strengthen awareness, visibility, and public understanding of SADC regional integration initiatives. Improved communication can help citizens and stakeholders better understand the opportunities and benefits associated with regional integration.

The expected longer-term impacts include:

- Improved awareness of regional initiatives. - Greater visibility of SADC achievements. - Better understanding of regional integration. - Increased awareness of economic opportunities. - Potential improvements in livelihoods. - Stronger regional cooperation. - More effective public engagement. Who Can Apply? Eligible applicants are state institutions from SADC Member States that are responsible for coordinating regional integration and media engagement. The call covers all 16 SADC Member States. Applicants should demonstrate that the relevant state institution has a clear mandate connected to regional integration communication, awareness, or media engagement. Eligible SADC Member States The opportunity is open to state institutions from all 16 SADC Member States.

Eligible countries are:

- Angola. - Botswana. - Comoros. - Democratic Republic of the Congo. - Eswatini. - Lesotho. - Madagascar. - Malawi. - Mauritius. - Mozambique. - Namibia. - Seychelles. - South Africa. - United Republic of Tanzania. - Zambia. - Zimbabwe. Alignment With the SADC Communication Strategy Proposals must align with the SADC Communication, Awareness and Visibility Strategy 2025–2030. Applicants should clearly demonstrate how the requested technical assistance contributes to the strategic communication and visibility priorities established under the strategy. Strategic alignment is an important part of the selection process. Demonstrating the Need for Technical Assistance Applicants must demonstrate a clear need for technical assistance. A strong proposa