R E G I O N A L I N D I C A T I V E S T R A T E G I C D E V E L O P M E N T P L A N Acknowledgments The decision to develop the Regional Indicative Strategic Sianga, Margaret Nyirenda, Nicolau Sululo, Guideon Phiri, Development Plan (RISDP), was taken by SADC Heads of Raymond Kujeke, Eduardo Sendelwako, Nonkululeko State and Government in their meeting of 1999, in Sibanze, Petrina Tobias, Sibusiso Manzini, Victor Lungu, Maputo, Mozambique. The purpose of the exercise was to and Mothobi Matila. The work was carried out under review the operations of SADC Institutions in order to general direction of Themba Mhlongo, Chief Director – enhance their efficiency and effectiveness in delivering SADC Secretariat. the Organization’s overarching goals of social and Two regional workshops were held for member states in order to provide them with an opportunity to comment economic development and poverty eradication. The process of formulating the RISDP was guided by on the different drafts of the RISDP. ICPs provided a participatory approach through which extensive valuable contributions and comments on the different consultations took place in all SADC Member States. drafts. non- International Cooperating Partners, in particular governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society, NORAD and DFID, provided the necessary financial academic and research institutions, International resources required to finance the development of the Cooperating Partners (ICPs) and many other stakeholders RISDP, including the consultation process throughout the contributed to this process. The exercise was overseen by Member States, and the publishing of the final draft. Government agencies, the private sector, SADC Council of Ministers through the Integrated Committee of Ministers. While SADC Secretariat was the coordinating agency, the RISDP has been prepared by a team of experts both from SADC Secretariat and Member States. Membership of this team included Angelo Mondlane (as project coordinator), Mandla Madonsela, Athalia Molokomme, Rosalind Thomas, Chinyamata Chipeta, Rahiririra Mbetjiha, Antony Mawaya, Fudzai Pamacheche, Stephen Mmalledi Sithole served as Secretary and coordinated most logistical arrangements.