Who We Are
Founded in 2014, SACCN is a regional, multi-stakeholder NGO advancing climate resilience, ecosystem integrity, and just transitions across the SADC region — guided by Ubuntu philosophy and grounded in community leadership.
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 and Freddy, 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
SACCN strengthens a networked civil society movement that drives systemic change in climate governance, finance, and practice — centered on equity, inclusion, and ecological sustainability.
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 2024-2036 strategic framework, comprising 13 interconnected pillars and a bold vision for climate-resilient, equitable SADC societies by 2036.
What Guides Us
Every decision, programme, and partnership at SACCN is grounded in these foundational principles — drawn from Ubuntu philosophy, climate justice, and the wisdom of Southern African communities.
"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.
Deep collaboration within SADC frameworks and strategic alignment with African Union climate positions and the goals of Agenda 2063.
Addressing overlapping and compounding vulnerabilities across gender, age, ethnicity, disability, and class in all programmes and advocacy.
Core Values
SACCN's values are not simply stated ideals — they are operational commitments that shape how we engage with communities, partners, research, and policy processes throughout Southern Africa.
See Our Strategic PillarsHow We Are Organized
SACCN operates through a three-tier governance structure designed to ensure democratic accountability, regional representation, and effective operational management.
The supreme organ of SACCN — comprising official delegates from all member organisations with full voting rights, governing SACCN's policy, operational scope, and strategic priorities.
Operating at continental, regional, and national levels — the Executive Board provides strategic oversight, financial stewardship, and ensures alignment with SACCN's mission and guiding principles.
Headquartered in Gaborone, Botswana — the administrative and operational arm of SACCN, coordinating programmes, managing partnerships, and driving SACCN's day-to-day climate action activities across SADC.
Whether you are a civil society organisation, researcher, community leader, or development partner — SACCN has a place for you in the regional climate justice movement.