Sweden's regional development cooperation with sub-Saharan Africa is managed by the Regional Section at the Embassy in Addis Ababa. The current strategy covers the period 2016–2021 with a budget of SEK 3 900 million.

The purpose is to contribute to increased regional integration and strengthened capacity to meet cross-border challenges and opportunities at regional level. Thematic areas for Sweden's regional development cooperation with sub-Saharan Africa during the period 2016-2021 are:

• A better environment, sustainable use of natural resources, reduced climate impact and strengthened resilience to environmental impact, climate change and natural disasters.
• Strengthened democracy and gender equality and greater respect for human rights.
• Better opportunities and tools to enable poor and vulnerable people to improve their living conditions.
• Human security and freedom from violence.

The work is mainly done in collaboration with regional actors. The African Union and the Regional Economic Communities are the most prominent intergovernmental actors for regional cooperation and integration. The African Development Bank, specialized intergovernmental organizations and civil society organizations are also important partners.

Synergies with Sweden's bilateral development cooperation and Sweden's regional strategy for sexual and reproductive health and rights (managed at the Swedish Embassy in Lusaka) are sought. Furthermore, the work is coordinated with humanitarian efforts so that Sweden contributes to strengthened resilience and a transition from temporary humanitarian assistance to sustainable development cooperation.