“Five challenges are singled out as being particularly important in making the Windhoek Declaration an effective instrument in regional cooperation. Firstly one need to ensure that the SADC has ownership of donor funded initiatives. Secondly, the strengthening of thematic groups may lead to fragmentation if the capacities of the secretariat and the directorates are not strengthened. It is important that the SADC engages with the new partners in the South and involves them in the further implementation of the Windhoek Declaration. The report emphasises that only SADC member states can provide SADC with the support, resources and authority required to take the regional integration agenda forward. This report notes the need for better alignment between national and regional efforts to reduce poverty. “
