In southern Africa, there is a high level of official commitment to meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and overcoming poverty, both by governments and by continental and regional organisations such as the African Union (AU), the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Linked to achieving the MDGs, most governments are engaged in the development and implementation of Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs). Policies to promote growth, democratic governance, and social and economic justice are part of these strategies. To be effective, however, many of this process requires more integrated regional approaches and stronger engagement by civil society and the private sector, at both national and regional levels.