The RIDMP critically reviews the enabling environment and highlights the need to expedite the implementation of the agreed policies. The completion of the RIDMP constitutes a launch pad for the systematic implementation of priority infrastructure projects on which Member States have attained consensus. The document becomes the key basis for cooperation with development partners and all stakeholders, guiding the collaboration framework towards the implementation of infrastructure, including the convening of infrastructure investment conferences. The Plan is a means to an end, not an end in itself, and the real work commences with the finalisation of thereof. Certain conditions have to be met to ensure the expeditious implementation of priority infrastructure projects as critical success factors including: • Commitment by Member States and related agencies: It is critical that Member States demonstrate their commitment to the projects by signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), cooperating fully with other participating states, making budgetary provisions for identified projects and including the projects in which Member States have an interest in their National Development Plans. The experience gained through the implementation of projects to date will be valuable in consolidating this process; • Creation and strengthening of oversight and implementing institutions: The RIDMP has recommended the creation and strengthening of oversight and implementing institutions in order to effectively manage and coordinate the implementation of infrastructure projects. It is critical that appropriate institutions be created, or the existing ones strengthened, to effectively discharge their mandates as recommended by the RIDMP. These institutions include the regional bodies mandated to implement projects at a technical level (e.g. Southern African Power Pool, Southern African Railways Association, Southern African Telecommunications Association, etc.) or ad hoc structures, including project implementation structures within ministries or agencies in the Member States; CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS FOR PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION 16 Executive Summary • Appropriate policy, institutional and regulatory framework: Pursuant to the recommendations of the RIDMP, it is necessary that the process of implementation of infrastructure projects be underpinned by an appropriate policy, regulatory and institutional framework, which provides the necessary enabling environment for the processes. The region, as provided for in the requisite protocols, has developed model policies, regulatory frameworks and institutional frameworks, which have been adopted and domesticated by the Member States; • Provision of a robust monitoring and evaluation system: The RIDMP Plan of Action provides guidance on monitoring and evaluation systems in order to ensure adequate follow-up and reporting on progress relating to infrastructure development based on the agreed targets. It is important that a robust monitoring and evaluation system be put in place to ensure that implementation occurs within the agreed milestones, failing which this tool provides corrective mechanisms. It is critical that these measures be put in place at all levels of the operational structures; • Availability of a pipeline of bankable projects: The RIDMP dynamic GIS database is designed to facilitate the availability of a pipeline of bankable projects. Experience has shown that in order to up-scale the implementation of infrastructure projects, it is necessary that a pipeline of bankable projects be available. In this regard, it is necessary to identify, develop and package projects to the stage of bankability. On its part, Summit has approved the SADC Project Preparation and Development Fund to support the packaging of priority infrastructure projects. There are also other project preparation facilities that can be accessed by Member States for the same purpose;