Utilising South Africa's soft power in pursuit of SADC's development agenda : towards a regional engagement approach within FOCAC

Abstract

This study explores how South Africa, in coalition with SADC member states, can strategically leverage its soft power and middle-power diplomacy to promote a regionalised approach to the FOCAC. Amid evolving global dynamics and the growing importance of regionalisation driven by regional agency, the research identifies synergies between the SADC’s RISDP 2030 and FOCAC Vision 2035. It examines how a coordinated, region-led strategy can optimise FOCAC opportunities, particularly with the support of emerging economies and development institutions.

Employing a qualitative research methodology, the study analyses regional policy and governance frameworks, diplomatic engagements, and scenario-based assessments to evaluate opportunities and challenges in aligning SADC’s development priorities within multilateral forums such as FOCAC.

Findings reveal that RISDP 2030 and FOCAC Vision 2035 prioritise infrastructure, industrialisation, and human capital development, offering a strong foundation for convergence. The study further highlights the role of triangular cooperation in bridging development gaps, promoting equitable resource-sharing, and enhancing South-South collaboration. However, policy incoherence, fragmented coordination, bilateral project implementation, financing constraints, asymmetrical power dynamics, and limited regional agency hinder SADC regional integration efforts. To overcome these challenges, the study recommends institutionalising a structured pre-FOCAC consultation mechanism among SADC members to unify regional priorities, improve policy alignment, and amplify Africa’s bargaining power. It also advocates for the integration of FOCAC initiatives with continental frameworks such as AU Agenda 2063, AfCFTA, PIDA, and RISDP. The study advocates for increased collaboration with emerging partners to promote sustainable and inclusive development.

South Africa’s leadership is positioned as pivotal in this process, with its diplomatic influence, normative appeal, and convening power enabling broader stakeholder participation, including non-state actors. Ultimately, this research presents a strategic framework for deepening regional integration, strengthening Africa’s agency in China-Africa relations, and fostering a more balanced, development-oriented South-South cooperation agenda that can extend beyond SADC to other RECs and the AU.

This study highlights key areas for future research, including addressing challenges to SADC’s agency and regional integration in global partnerships and exploring the role of strategic autonomy and decolonial thought in advancing regional self-determination, policy coherence, and sustainable development.