The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has called for a strong and coordinated implementation of the integration agenda within the region.

The SADC Executive Secretary, Elias Magosi, made the call when addressing journalists on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund's recent Spring Meetings in Washington DC.

Magosi said Africa's challenge is no longer about agreeing on its integration agenda, but rather about delivering it in a coordinated and impactful way. 

He said individualism will continue to suppress Africa's economic potential and needs to be addressed.

Magosi said the free movement of persons is one of the mutually reinforcing pillars that can reduce trade costs and expand economic opportunities.

According to Magosi, SADC stands ready to work with the World Bank Group, IMF, and other international partners to accelerate implementation and demonstrate integrated delivery at scale in Southern Africa.

"And we have to go beyond just talking by actually saying what do we start with. There is energy there; there is transport, the movement of people within the continent, and the movement of businesspeople within the continent. If you want to create jobs, it is the business that creates jobs, not governments. But we have to create an enabling environment, as governments, to allow people and businesspeople to freely move and actually grow their businesses."

During a courtesy call paid on her at the State House by Magosi last year, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah reaffirmed Namibia's commitment towards continuing to prioritise the work of SADC, an institution mandated to advance regional integration.