The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has called for the rapid conclusion of financing negotiations for the Angolan portion of the Angola/Namibia Power Interconnector. This project involves constructing a 166km, 440kV transmission line linking the Kunene substation in Namibia to Cahama in Angola.

SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi, during a high-level meeting with World Bank officials in Washington DC, emphasized the project's regional significance. Barbara Lopi, spokesperson for the SADC Secretariat, said:

“H.E. Magosi encouraged the swift conclusion of negotiations for Phase 3, which will finance the Angolan portion of the Angola/Namibia Interconnector, and called for continued dialogue on a future phase to support the Malawi-Zambia Transmission Interconnector. These projects are central to SADC's industrialisation agenda and to strengthening regional energy security.”

The World Bank has committed $292 million under Phase One of the RETRADE Programme for the Zambian portion of the Zambia/Tanzania Interconnector. Additionally, $12 million was committed in technical assistance to support regional energy institutions including the Southern African Power Pool and the SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency.

This interconnector is key to enhancing power sharing and supporting regional integration.