Vusumuzi Dube
Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter
Botswana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that their President, Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi will participate at the 44th Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government on Saturday.
The 44th SADC Summit, which the country will be hosting as the Incoming SADC Chair will be held under the theme, “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustained Economic Growth and Development towards an industrialised SADC”.
In a statement on Thursday, the ministry said:
“His Excellency the President will be accompanied by Honourable Dr. Lemogang Kwape, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Senior Government Officials. President Masisi and his delegation will return to Gaborone on 18th August 2024,” reads the statement.
The Summit will, among others, review progress on the implementation of Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020-2030, as well as receive updates on key issues, such as the region’s peace and security agenda.
The 44th SADC Summit will see the handover of the SADC Chairship from Mr. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of Angola, to President Mnangagwa.
A series of meetings have already preceded the summit, including the SADC Council of Ministers, which was held on 13-14 August 2024, and the SADC Organ Troika Summit which will take place on 16 August 2024.
On the margins of the 44th SADC Summit, the SADC Heads of State and Government will participate in high-level events which will include visits to the Geo Pomona Waste Management Facility, and the Museum of African Liberation which showcases African culture and liberation history.
Meanwhile, Lesotho’s Prime Minister Mr Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane has arrived at the Harare International Airport ahead of the SADC Summit for Heads of State and Government on Saturday. He was welcomed at the airport by the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Kazembe Kazembe.
@nyeve14
Online Reporter