Sundaymail Editor
Online Reporter
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is celebrating its 45th anniversary today, reaffirming its commitment to regional cooperation, integration and development.
In a statement marking the occasion, the SADC Secretariat reflected on the regional bloc’s journey since its establishment on April 1, 1980, when the Lusaka Declaration was signed, creating the Southern African Development Coordinating Conference (SADCC).
The body was later transformed into SADC on August 17, 1992, following the signing of the SADC Treaty and Declaration in Windhoek, Namibia.
“As we commemorate 45 years of SADC, we reaffirm our commitment to deepening regional cooperation, integration and development for the people of Southern Africa,” said the SADC Secretariat.
“Our efforts continue to be guided by the SADC Vision 2050 — a vision for a peaceful, inclusive, competitive and industrialised region, where all citizens enjoy sustainable economic well-being, justice and freedom.”
The regional bloc, headquartered in Gaborone, Botswana, consists of 16 Member States, working together to foster economic growth, trade, peace and stability across Southern Africa.
President Mnangagwa assumed the SADC chairmanship in August 2024 and has said economic integration, industrialisation and regional stability are key priorities during his tenure.
Online Reporter