Tanzania has called for a careful and well-structured implementation of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Regional Development Fund, stressing the need for a phased approach due to financial and administrative limitations facing member states.

The position was presented during high-level finance discussions held in Harare, Zimbabwe, where ministers of finance and central bank governors from all 16 SADC countries gathered to discuss regional integration and funding mechanisms for development projects.

Speaking on behalf of Tanzania, Deputy Minister for Finance Laurent Luswetula explained that while Tanzania supports the Regional Development Fund in principle, there are still internal procedures and readiness requirements that must be completed before full participation.He noted that Tanzania ratified the agreement in 2016 but is still finalizing administrative processes needed for implementation.This reflects a broader challenge within the region, where several member states are at different levels of readiness.A key concern raised was the issue of initial capital contributions, as many SADC countries are currently facing tight fiscal conditions.

Economic pressures such as inflation, currency instability, and competing domestic priorities have reduced the ability of governments to commit large funds to regional programmes.Tanzania therefore emphasized that rushing implementation could weaken the effectiveness of the fund.

The Regional Development Fund is intended to support infrastructure, trade facilitation, and other cross-border development initiatives across Southern Africa.

However, Tanzania also cautioned against new financing proposals such as tourism levies and import duties, saying these require deeper analysis due to possible impacts on trade and competitiveness.

Overall, Tanzania’s message in the Harare meeting was that regional integration should proceed, but only on a solid financial and institutional foundation that ensures long-term sustainability.