The Regional Economic Growth and Trade Office (REGO) portfolio supports programming across the 15 Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries in economic growth. These programs contribute to U.S. Presidential Initiatives in Feed the Future, Trade Africa, and the African Growth and Opportunity Act.  Together the projects work to not only increase trade and investments but also improve regional food security. 

In response to the food insecurity situation in southern Africa, the U.S. Government’s (USG) Feed the Future regional program supports regional- and country-led agricultural development plans to improve agricultural productivity and expand markets and trade. These efforts are intended to achieve inclusive agriculture sector growth and regional integration and contribute to reducing poverty and hunger.

Our efforts focus on fostering intra-regional trade, developing the agricultural sector, and boosting private and public investment in the region.  An increase in agricultural productivity, coupled with expanding intra-regional trade, will lead to sustained economic growth in SADC member states and will ultimately result in improved food and nutrition security as well as poverty reduction.  USAID supports initiatives that address common constraints to trade and improve the investment environment to support trade competitiveness.