Who We Are
Founded in 2014, SACCN is a premier, multi-stakeholder civil society network operating across all 16 SADC Member States — guided by Ubuntu philosophy and grounded in community leadership.
Our North Star
A climate-resilient, ecologically sustainable, and socially just Southern Africa, where communities thrive in harmony with nature, and the burdens and benefits of the climate transition are shared equitably.
To unite, empower, and amplify civil society across Southern Africa to advance climate justice, equitable resilience, and transformative policy action through coordinated advocacy, grassroots leadership, evidence-based solidarity, and innovative climate solutions.
Background
Southern Africa faces some of the world's most severe climate impacts despite contributing less than 2% of global emissions. The region experiences accelerating extreme weather events, prolonged droughts, devastating cyclones like Idai, Freddy, and Chalane, and rising sea levels.
SACCN exists to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and traditional ecological knowledge, community action, and policy implementation — operating on the fundamental principle that climate action must be integrated, anticipatory, and just.
"I am because we are — Ubuntu is not just a saying; it is the foundation of everything we do at SACCN. Climate change is a collective crisis that demands collective action."
Ubuntu Philosophy — SACCN's Guiding Spirit
Africa needs an estimated $277 billion annually to address the climate crisis. SACCN exists to close this gap through a unified, strategic, and community-centered approach that delivers measurable impact across the region.
Our Journey
Southern Africa Climate Change Network established in Gaborone, Botswana, by regional civil society leaders committed to integrated climate action across the SADC region.
SACCN convened its inaugural regional climate forum spanning 5 SADC nations, establishing frameworks for cross-border knowledge sharing and joint advocacy at UNFCCC processes.
Launched the TEK Documentation Programme, systematically recording and integrating indigenous climate forecasting knowledge with scientific meteorology across seven SADC countries.
SACCN mobilized emergency support to climate-vulnerable communities facing the dual crisis of COVID-19 and devastating flooding, demonstrating the network's rapid response capacity.
Published landmark research on women's leadership in climate adaptation across SADC, influencing regional policy frameworks at the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment.
SACCN adopted its comprehensive strategic framework, comprising eight interconnected pillars aligned with the SADC RISDP, AU Agenda 2063, and the Paris Agreement — a bold vision for climate-resilient, equitable SADC societies.
Our Strategic Approach
The logic that underpins every SACCN intervention — from institutional capacity building to community-centered climate solutions.
SACCN effectively builds the institutional and human capacity of its network and partners, fosters inclusive multi-stakeholder partnerships, and enhances accountability mechanisms;
AND IF SACCN drives impactful communication and advocacy campaigns that center community voices and promote evidence-based climate solutions;
AND IF SACCN advocates for and supports the implementation of just energy transitions, strengthened adaptation measures, and climate-resilient food systems;
AND IF SACCN champions participatory research and ensures youth, gender, and social inclusion are at the core of all actions;
THEN Southern African communities, civil society, and governments will have enhanced capacity, stronger collaborative frameworks, increased access to resources, and improved policies to address the climate crisis — leading to a more secure, just, and sustainable Southern Africa.
What Guides Us
Our work is anchored in eight foundational principles — drawn from Ubuntu philosophy, climate justice, and the wisdom of Southern African communities — that shape every decision, programme, and partnership at SACCN.
"I am because we are" — emphasizing interconnectedness, collective action, and shared responsibility across SADC communities.
Prioritizing the rights of the most vulnerable — women, youth, indigenous peoples, rural poor, and persons with disabilities — in all climate action.
Communities lead the design, implementation, and monitoring of all interventions — from the village to the regional policy arena.
Respectful integration of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) with scientific research, honoring the wisdom of elders and community knowledge holders.
Shifting from disaster response to risk-informed early action — protecting livelihoods and ecosystems before climate shocks occur.
Protecting and restoring ecosystems as the foundational biological infrastructure upon which all climate resilience and human wellbeing depends.
Accountability to members, communities, governments, development partners, and guiding principles — with clear reporting and shared decision-making.
A strict approach ensuring all interventions minimize unintended negative social, economic, or environmental consequences.
Core Values
SACCN's values are not simply stated ideals — they are operational commitments that shape how we govern, partner, and engage with communities, members, and stakeholders throughout Southern Africa.
See Our Strategic PillarsHow We Are Organized
SACCN operates through a decentralized, transparent, and participatory governance model designed for accountability and regional representation.
The supreme decision-making body, comprising delegates from accredited member organisations across all 16 SADC states, governing SACCN's policy, operational scope, and strategic priorities.
Elected by the Congress to provide strategic oversight, policy guidance, and fiduciary accountability — ensuring alignment with SACCN's mission, values, and guiding principles.
Headquartered in Gaborone, Botswana — the operational arm responsible for day-to-day coordination, implementation of the strategic pillars, resource mobilization, and partner engagement.
Comprising member experts who drive the technical execution of specific strategic pillars — from climate finance to agrifood systems and early warning.
The grassroots implementation layer, adapting regional strategies to local contexts and ensuring frontline communities remain at the center of every intervention.
Strategic Alignments
SACCN's work is deliberately mapped to ensure coherence with regional, continental, and global development frameworks — maximizing our legitimacy and impact.
The Southern Africa Climate Change Network is more than an organization — we are a movement. Whether you are a civil society organisation, researcher, community leader, or development partner, SACCN has a place for you.