FANRPAN participated in the validation meeting for the SADC Regional Agricultural Investment Plan (RAIP) 2023–2030, held in Johannesburg, South Africa from 31st March-1st April 2025. FANRPAN Director of Policy Advocacy and Communication, Mr Francis Hale and Project Officer, Dr Rachel Mkandawire, and Mr Suwilanji Sinyangwe joined regional stakeholders and technical experts to provide feedback on the proposed RAIP framework.
The RAIP 2023–2030 adopts a comprehensive food systems approach, positioning agriculture as a catalyst for economic growth, resilience, and inclusive development in the Southern African region. The plan builds on the foundation laid by the previous RAIP (2017–2022) and is firmly aligned with the CAADP-Kampala Process (2022–2032), reinforcing the region’s commitment to agricultural transformation through mutual accountability, regional integration, and policy coherence.
Participants at the engagement emphasized the importance of improving the alignment between national agriculture investment plans (NAIPs) and the regional RAIP. While overlaps exist, they have often been coincidental rather than intentional, highlighting the need for deliberate harmonization and stronger institutional support for implementation.
Emphasis was also placed on the importance of youth and gender inclusion in RAIP implementation, especially in light of ongoing food systems transformation efforts.
The updated RAIP comes at a time when the region is facing complex challenges—from climate change to market volatility—making coordinated action more urgent than ever.
FANRPAN remains committed to supporting inclusive and evidence-informed policy processes that promote sustainable food systems and agricultural transformation across the SADC region. As RAIP 2023–2030 moves toward implementation, FANRPAN will continue engaging stakeholders to promote accountability, collaboration, and domestication at national levels.