Regional Partnership Development

Zambia’s Stake in Benguela Refinery: A New Dawn in African Collaboration Zambia’s acquisition of a 26% stake in Angola’s Benguela oil refinery marks a powerful shift toward the kind of intra-African collaboration the continent desperately needs. For too long, Africa’s development narrative has been shaped by dependency on external actors. This move signals a break from that pattern—a bold stride toward shared prosperity through regional partnerships. Rather than merely being a consumer or transit country, Zambia positions itself as a co-investor in a key energy asset. This deal not only secures future fuel supply for Zambia but also sets a precedent for African countries to work together to unlock value from their resources. Such equity-based participation ensures that value chains are not exported but retained and grown within the continent. It’s a model of ownership over aid, of integration over isolation. The refinery partnership demonstrates what is possible when African nations leverage their comparative strengths, pool resources, and commit to long-term, mutually beneficial development. This is not just about oil—it is about vision. If replicated across sectors, this spirit of collaboration could redefine Africa’s future, turning it from a continent of extraction into a continent of empowerment and shared growth.

Years ago, I led a procurement initiative that stalled. Not because we didn’t have the budget or the relationships - But because the goods had to pass through three disconnected regulatory systems. That experience made something clear: Procurement advantage isn’t only about cost or quality, or relationships. It’s also about access. And access is something we have to build together. Many countries are dealing with the same issues: - No access to ports - Poor transport infrastructure - Expensive warehousing - Clashing regulatory standards We all want faster, cheaper, more reliable supply chains. But no single country can build that alone. That’s where Regional Procurement Agreements come in. Not just for savings - but for scale, resilience, and long-term growth. It means rewriting trade rules, rethinking how goods move across borders and and investing in infrastructure that doesn’t stop at your country’s edge. When neighbouring countries align on standards and logistics, you start to see faster delivery, lower risk, and stronger regional ecosystems. We talk a lot about competitive advantage in procurement. But what if the real advantage isn’t what we keep, it’s what we build together? Procurement teams are in a unique position to lead that shift because we’re the ones who feel the friction every time something gets stuck. So, let me ask: What regional partnerships have you seen that are actually working? Or where is the opportunity still being missed?

Regional interconnection is no longer a technical ambition; it’s a development priority. By integrating electricity markets and infrastructure, Regional Power Pools can reduce energy system costs by up to 23% while enabling near-100% renewable energy penetration. As energy demand continues to increase - driven by digitalization, electrified transport and industrialization - regional grids offer the scale, flexibility and resilience that national systems cannot deliver alone. But what do these Regional Power Pools look like in practice? ⚡️ Cross-border electricity markets are scaling: In 2022, 9.8 TWh was traded through the Southern African Power Pool, while the West African Power Pool connected 14 of 15 ECOWAS countries under a unified market framework. ⚡️ Transport-energy corridors are being aligned with regional grids: Initiatives like Lobito and LAPSSET are electrifying mineral freight routes to anchor long-term renewable demand and reduce fossil fuel reliance. ⚡️ Structured energy trade between regions are advancing: The CASA-1000 project will enable the transfer of 1,300 MW of clean electricity from Central to South Asia, with commissioning expected in 2025. ⚡️ Collaborative green finance is underpinning integration: A partnership between the AfDB and AIIB is promoting co-financing, co-guarantees, and joint participation to accelerate green infrastructure development across Africa. Regional integration is not just about energy: it’s about sovereignty, competitiveness and long-term resilience in a climate-constrained world. Explore how Regional Power Pools are shaping this future in the Sustainable Energy Bulletin: 👉 https://lnkd.in/ecsVJf4T #EnergyForDevelopment #RegionalIntegration #GreenInfrastructure #SouthSouthCooperation

Institutionalizing Regional Diplomacy: Kazakhstan Approves Budget Agreement for the “Central Asia – China” Secretariat President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has officially signed a decree approving the Agreement on the Procedure for the Formation and Execution of the Budget of the Secretariat of the “Central Asia – China” format. What’s in the Agreement? The document outlines: • The timeline for annual budget formation • Contribution and expenditure procedures • Financial year structure • Share of each participating state’s contributions • Procedures for calculating and paying annual dues (in USD) The Secretariat’s budget will be planned annually and approved during meetings of the Foreign Ministers. Contributions are currently denominated in U.S. dollars. Current Contribution Breakdown: • 🇨🇳 China – 60% • 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan – 10% • 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan – 10% • 🇹🇯 Tajikistan – 10% • 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan – 10% Contribution shares can be adjusted upon proposal by one or more states and agreed upon unanimously. Compensation & Benefits President Tokayev also approved a complementary Regulation on Compensation, Guarantees, and Allowances for Secretariat officials. It defines: • Salary structure • Living arrangements and material support • General administrative provisions The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China will serve as the official depository for both the Agreement and the Regulations. The next summit of the format is scheduled for June 2025 in Astana, underscoring Kazakhstan’s growing role as a bridge between Central Asia and broader Eurasian strategies. This move marks a key step toward formalizing multilateral coordination between China and Central Asia, offering a stable institutional framework to support trade, security, and regional connectivity under the “Central Asia – China” format. It underscores China’s leadership role in regional diplomacy while providing Central Asian nations with a structured platform to shape regional policies and pursue shared development goals. For Central Asian countries, however, participation offers access to investment diplomacy, infrastructure alignment, and multilateral development support that would be difficult to coordinate individually. As global power centers shift and regional blocs solidify, institutional mechanisms like this may define the future of Eurasian diplomacy — blending statecraft, economics, and long-term vision under a multipolar order. https://lnkd.in/dYD_dKDu #CentralAsia #China #Kazakhstan #Multilateralism #Diplomacy #RegionalCooperation #ForeignPolicy #Geopolitics #BeltandRoad #InstitutionalDevelopment #Eurasia #KassymJomartTokayev #KazakhstanChina

🌍 How can EU regions harness Cohesion Policy to turn local challenges into drivers of competitiveness? Our latest brief explores lessons from Denmark, Finland and Andalusia. Earlier this year, facilitated by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) and supported by TAIEX-REGIO, a delegation from the Andalusian regional government travelled north to Finland and Denmark to foster peer learning among policymakers, practitioners, and EU-level institutions. They showcased exemplary practices in the strategic use of European Regional Development Funds (ERDF) to build territorial innovation ecosystems — focusing on: ⚡ agile management 📝 simplification 🏛️ multi level governance 🌍 fostering business innovation and investment for sustainable transformation 🔑 Key learnings Different cohesion programmes, different management levels, same ambition → Make the most of Cohesion Funds to boost territorial sustainable competitiveness. For making the cohesion policy management more effective, regions are looking forward to keep on exploring initiatives such as simplified cost processes, and streamlined audits mechanism. These are good practices already tested by these regions. To foster competitiveness, deploy support instruments for innovation ecosystems to reinforce cooperation is key. Place-based innovation matters: Smart Specialisation Strategies show how tailoring policies to territorial strengths accelerates the green & digital transitions. Clusters, lighthouses & ecosystem interfaces are instrumental to mentoring entrepreneurs, promoting innovation, and enabling access to policies & international cooperation. Territorial competitiveness: Linking circular economy, clean energy & digitalisation with regional development creates sustainable growth and quality jobs. Peer learning works: Andalusia’s study visit to Finland & Denmark proved the value of cooperation and best practices exchange, meaning the beginning of new avenues for future collaboration The knowledge gained will be capitalised on in the Preparatory Action “Innovation for place-based transformation” (link in comments). 📖 Read our policy brief co-authored by JRC colleagues (Carmen Sillero Illanes Davide Magagna ) & the Andalusian Regional Ministry of Economy, Treasury and European Funds (Gerardo Fernández Gavilanes) Thank you to all our Finish and Danish host for their generous collaboration Johanna Osenius Harri Algren, Markku Markkula Taina Tukiainen Pernille von Lillienskjold , Tej Egefjord and team, - Sune Dowler Nygaard & Emil Højbjerre Thomsen from the Danish Technological Institute Than you Diego Villalba de Miguel. Deputy Head of Unit – Spain, Directorate-General Regional and Urban Policy And Debora Finotti project officer from Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations Institution building, TAIEX, Twinning EU Science, Research and Innovation

Bridging Economies: Decoding India-Sri Lanka Trade and Investment Dynamics Over the past year, the India-Sri Lanka partnership has evolved into a compelling narrative of resilience, collaboration, and shared growth. In the face of unprecedented economic challenges, Sri Lanka found a steadfast ally in India, whose strategic support extended beyond financial aid to encompass long-term development and regional stability. India’s assistance during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis—ranging from $4 billion in credit lines and currency swaps to diplomatic engagements—underscores its commitment to fostering a stable South Asian region. As the first bilateral creditor to facilitate Sri Lanka’s IMF bailout, India demonstrated how partnerships can navigate crises while paving the way for sustainable progress. Key highlights of this dynamic partnership include: Expanding bilateral trade and diversifying into sectors like IT, energy, and tourism. Strategic investments in infrastructure, logistics, and renewable energy. Strengthened maritime security and cultural exchanges. Collaboration on climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and marine biodiversity. This relationship is not merely transactional; it’s transformational. From leveraging soft power diplomacy to enhancing regional connectivity, India and Sri Lanka are showcasing how shared efforts can drive recovery, innovation, and growth. As we navigate an era of global interdependence, partnerships like these remind us of the importance of mutual trust and collaboration. The India-Sri Lanka trade and investment story isn’t just about economic ties—it’s about building a framework for shared prosperity, resilience, and sustainable development. Let’s continue to explore the potential of such partnerships and celebrate the power of regional cooperation in creating a better future for all. #IndiaSriLanka #TradeAndInvestment #BilateralRelations #RegionalGrowth #Sustainability #Collaboration

Strength In Unity: How Partnerships Can Drive Growth & Prosperity - Forbes Business Council I’m extremely proud of the partnerships and operational alignment our greater:SATX team and volunteer leaders have established with local, regional and mega metro partners in San Antonio and across the state of #Texas. Economic growth and prosperity are too big and too important to be the sole responsibility of any single government or organization. Economic development truly is a team sport, and we are greater together. Quick takeaways: ☑️ Economic Development Organizations (EDOs) should partner closely with their respective Destination Management Organizations (DMOs). Full stop, you must be in lockstep like greater:SATX and Visit San Antonio are. Tourism development is economic development and our hospitality in #SATX differentiates us. ☑️ EDOs, business and civic leaders need to be transparent about real and perceived “product” gaps and rally your community around solutions. Our product is the San Antonio region, and we work daily with our airport friends and local academic institutions to improve areas like educational attainment and air service development. Our progress here speaks for itself. Together, as one community, #OneSATX we are building a greater San Antonio. Cecilia Garcia Redmond, Michael Lynd, Jr., Hope Andrade, Marc Anderson