The North West Development Corporation (NWDC) took part in the South African Development Finance Institutions Forum (SADFIF) Workstream Workshop, held on Friday, 31 October 2025, at the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) Auditorium.

Representing NWDC at this significant event were Ms Sam Mudramuthoo, Acting Executive for Small Business Development (SBD), and Mr Lovemore Makunike, Executive for Trade and Investment.

The workshop, hosted by the DBSA, brought together representatives from national, provincial, and district-level development finance institutions (DFIs) to advance the collaborative agenda of the SADFIF.

The forum serves as a strategic platform for aligning DFIs with the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024–2029 and the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030.

It seeks to foster unified advocacy, knowledge sharing, and coordinated investment in key development sectors.

Key Themes and Discussions
The workshop agenda featured a series of roundtable discussions focused on critical sectors such as:
• Agriculture: Emphasising youth participation, food security, climate-resilient financing, and capacity building.
• Industry and Trade: Supporting black industrialists, women, youth, and people with disabilities, along with green manufacturing and policy facilitation.
• Infrastructure: Addressing the financing of sustainable infrastructure, including support for emerging industries like renewable energy and critical minerals beneficiation.

These discussions were held within the broader SADFIF focus areas of industrialisation, localisation, exports, and increased economic participation. The forum also highlighted the importance of early project preparation, digital transformation, and enhanced collaboration among DFIs to reduce fragmentation and boost developmental impact.

The Importance of NWDC’s Participation
NWDC’s participation in the SADFIF Workstream Workshop highlights its dedication to regional economic growth and its alignment with national priorities. By engaging in this forum, NWDC enhances its role in:
• Shaping policy and investment frameworks that support inclusive growth in the North West Province.
• Collaborating with peer institutions to co-develop and co-finance impactful projects.
• Contributing to national dialogues on trade, industrialisation, and infrastructure development.
• Accessing shared resources and knowledge to enhance project origination, pipeline development, and investment readiness.

Ms Mudramuthoo and Mr Makunike’s participation in the workshop ensured that the distinct developmental needs and opportunities of the North West Province were represented in national discussions. Their involvement also positions NWDC to benefit from the SADFIF’s planned initiatives, including the development of a centralised project database, impact measurement tools, and a digital research hub.

Looking Ahead
As SADFIF continues to evolve into a structured and action-oriented platform, NWDC remains committed to making meaningful contributions to its workstreams and strategic objectives. The Corporation looks forward to leveraging this collaboration to unlock investment, drive industrial growth, and improve livelihoods across the province.

Article by Karen Landsberg
NWDC Communication Officer

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