Online Reporter
Good morning from Antananarivo! Today marks a key moment for Southern Africa as SADC Chairman, President Mnangagwa, joins fellow leaders for the regional bloc’s 45th Summit of Heads of State and Government at the Ivato Conference Centre in Madagascar.
Held under the banner, “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC,” this year’s summit promises to shape the region’s future, with a focus on economic growth and sustainable development.
President Mnangagwa, who arrived yesterday, highlighted the summit’s crucial agenda and is set to hand over the SADC chairmanship to Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina.
Stay tuned as our reporter, Wallace Ruzvidzo, brings you live updates and exclusive insights from the heart of the action at Ivato Conference Centre.
Summit to focus on industrialisation, agric
The 45th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government will focus on the region’s industrialisation, agricultural transformation and inclusive energy transition, the bloc’s chairperson, President Mnangagwa, has said.
The President arrived here yesterday ahead of the regional bloc’s meeting, where he will hand over the baton to Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina, marking the end of his successful tenure.
Writing on his official X handle upon arrival, President Mnangagwa said SADC would reaffirm its commitment to building a stronger and more united Southern Africa.
“I have arrived in Antananarivo for the 45th SADC Summit, where I will hand over the chair to H.E. President Andry Rajoelina.
“Our agenda: industrialisation, agricultural transformation and inclusive energy transition —building a resilient and united SADC,” he wrote.
President Mnangagwa’s tenure as SADC Chairperson celebrated
President Mnangagwa’s tenure as chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) will go down in history as having advanced peace and stability in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) under the African union (AU)’s “Silencing the Guns” initiative.
The President’s one-year tenure, which ends today when he hands over the chairpersonship to Madagascar’s Andry Rajoelina, will also be remembered for bringing together two regional blocs — SADC and the East African Community (EAC) — as part of a historic push to spearhead efforts to curb conflict in the eastern DRC.
In an interview yesterday, Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications), Mr George Charamba, said, under Zimbabwe’s leadership, the two regional blocs led efforts to facilitate the merger of the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes into a single African-led framework.
“I would suggest and strongly argue that the biggest and foremost achievement that we registered as the chairman of SADC related to silencing the guns,” Mr Charamba said.
President Mnangagwa arrives for 45th SADC Summit
SADC Chairman President Mnangagwa has arrived at the Ivato Conference Centre for the Summit of Heads of State and Government.
He was welcomed by SADC Council of Ministers Chair Dr Rafaravavitafika Rasata.
Incoming SADC Chairman Andry Rajoelina, the Executive Secretary, Mr Elias Magosi, and other Heads of State arrived earlier ahead of the arrival of the regional bloc’s Chairman.
Other delegates including Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube, Minister of Industry and Commerce Mangaliso Ndlovu and Attorney General Virginia Mabiza arrived for the Summit earlier.
Delegates settle in ahead of the official opening
Delegates are now settling ahead of the commencement of the Summit.
Preceding the start of the opening session will be the Family Photo of SADC Heads of State and Government, along with the SADC Executive Secretary.
Thereafter, Heads of State and Government and invited special guests will enter the auditorium in procession and take their positions, followed by the observation of the anthems of Madagascar, SADC, and the African Union (AU).
The Heads of State and Government will then be introduced by the Director of Ceremonies, followed by a cultural performance from Madagascar.
Mr Magosi will deliver his introductory remarks, which will be followed by a welcome statement from the President of Madagascar as the incoming SADC Chairperson.
Shortly after, Presidents Duma Boko (Botswana), Daniel Chapo (Mozambique), Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (Namibia), and Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam will give their maiden speeches.
Following the maiden speeches, the regional winners of the 2024 SADC Secondary School Essay Competition, SADC Tertiary Institution Essay Competition, and Media Awards will be announced.
SADC Chairperson President Mnangagwa will then deliver his keynote address and ceremonially hand over the SADC Chairperson’s Badge to the incoming Chairperson, who will subsequently give his acceptance statement.
SADC Executive Secretary commends leaders and highlights DRC mission
SADC Executive Secretary Mr Elias Magosi has taken to the dais.
He began his remarks by commending the Heads of State and Government who managed to attend the Summit in person.
“We are especially grateful for the attendance of His Excellencies who have come,” he said.
Mr Magosi stated that SADC remains a beacon of unity and cooperation.
He then congratulated the Heads of State and Government attending the Summit for the first time.
These include Presidents Duma Boko (Botswana), Daniel Chapo (Mozambique), Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (Namibia), and Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam.
Mr Magosi also praised the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) for the crucial role they have played in the eastern parts of the DRC.
“It is a heavy price that they have paid for the region,” he said.
The Executive Secretary added that the situation in the DRC would be discussed extensively during the closed session.
Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia and Mauritius leaders give their maiden speeches
In his maiden address, Botswana President Duma Boko implored the region and the continent at large to remain united in the face of various adversities.
“We need each other desperately.
Let us focus on wrestling with the challenges that bedevil our continent,” he said.
Namibia’s Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to the growth and development of the region.
“Let me pledge my unwavering commitment to the goals and principles of our regional consensus.
Together we must join hands,” she said.
Mozambique’s Daniel Chapo said his country will play its role towards the realization of regional goals.
Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam began his speech by singling out President Mnangagwa for successfully leading the SADC bloc during the past 12 months.
“(Let me pay tribute to) SADC Chairman President Mnangagwa for his successful leadership and tireless efforts in advancing regional priorities,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that at this moment in time, SADC cannot afford to let its guard down.
“We need to strengthen our democratic values… we have to be eternally vigilant,” he said.
Zimpapers staffers win SADC Media Awards
Zimbabwe’s Kudakwashe Hunda and Veronica Gwaze have scooped first-place awards in the photographic and print categories of the SADC Media Awards, respectively.
They are both Zimpapers staffers.
President Mnangagwa delivers keynote address
Outgoing SADC Chairman, President Mnangagwa, has taken to the podium to deliver his keynote address.
He began by expressing gratitude for the support he received during his tenure at the helm of the regional bloc.
“This event marks the end of Zimbabwe’s Chairmanship. On behalf of the people and Government, I express gratitude to you for the partnership and support you rendered to my Government during this past year,” he said.
The SADC Chair welcomed the Heads of State attending the Summit for the first time: Presidents Duma Boko (Botswana), Daniel Chapo (Mozambique), Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (Namibia), and Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam.
“Our prosperity is tied to that of our neighbours,” he remarked.
He decried the adverse impact of climate change-induced phenomena such as droughts.
President Mnangagwa then expressed confidence in President Rajoelina’s capacity to take over the helm of SADC.
He reaffirmed that SADC remains steadfast in ensuring peace in the eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“We welcome the outcome of the joint SADC-EAC Summit held this past week,” said the SADC Chairman.
He also expressed gratitude to the regional bloc for standing with Zimbabwe in the call for the unequivocal removal of Western-imposed unilateral coercive measures.
President Mnangagwa has handed over the Chairmanship of SADC to his counterpart, Madagascar’s Andry Rajoelina.
President Mnangagwa has handed over the Chairmanship of SADC to his counterpart, Madagascar’s Andry Rajoelina.
Closing ceremony commences
The 45th SADC Summit closing ceremony has commenced.
Now is the signing of Legal Instruments by SADC Heads of State and Government.
Thereafter, will be the swearing-in of the SADC Executive Secretary, Mr Elias Magosi, after which he will read the Summit Communique.
SADC Chairperson Andry Rajoelina will then give a closing statement.
The observation of the anthems of the AU, SADC, and Madagascar will follow, marking the end of the ceremony.
The reading of the Communique has started.
Mr Magosi said the Summit elected Madagascar’s President Rajoelina as Chairman of SADC and South African President as incoming Chairperson.
Summit passed its condolences to founding President of Namibia Sam Nujoma and Former President of Zambia Edgar Lungu.
Summit expressed condolences to the SAMIDRC members who lost their lives.
Summit congratulated Presidents Boko, Chapo, Nandi-Ndaitwah and Prime Minister Ramgoolam on their election.
Summit removed Lesotho from agenda of organ TROIKA following progress in that country.
Summit condemned the spread of misinformation about the SAMIDRC.
Summit reaffirmed solidarity with people of Western Sahara regarding their self determination.
Summit expressed concern over ongoing attacks on the people of Palestine in Gaza.
Summit called for accelerated establishment of the Regional Development Fund.
Summit urged member states to promote women’s participation in positions of power.
Summit noted progress made in implementing the theme of the 44th SADC Summit held in Harare last year and commended President Mnangagwa for his exemplary leadership and guidance.
Summit endorsed the theme of the 45th SADC Summit.
Summit emphasised the importance of agriculture in ensuring food security.
Summit urged member states to implement outcomes of the African leaders meeting held in June.
Summit commended Madagascar for successful organisation and hosting of the SIW.
Summit reappointed Mr Elias Magosi for a second and final four year term.
Summit expressed its appreciation to Madagascar for the successful hosting of the 45th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government.
Online Reporter