Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo recently in ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar
THE 45th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit of Heads of State and Government, held in Madagascar last Sunday, reaffirmed the region’s commitment to unity, peace and sustainable development.
The high-level summit was preceded by a series of meetings and forums, including the Senior Officials and Experts Meeting on the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) and the SADC Public Lecture at the University of Antananarivo.
These pre-summit activities underscored the bloc’s collective effort to address pressing challenges while setting the stage for meaningful dialogue among leaders.
A key highlight of the summit was the formal handover of the SADC Chairmanship from President Mnangagwa to Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina.
The transition was described as more than a ceremonial shift; it symbolised continuity in the bloc’s mission and the shared responsibility of its leaders to advance regional progress.
President Mnangagwa’s tenure was widely commended for his proactive leadership, particularly his championing of peace efforts in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and his role in strengthening the SADC Secretariat.
President Rajoelina pledged to build on this legacy and sustain momentum in driving the regional agenda.
SADC Executive Secretary Mr Elias Magosi stressed the significance of the leadership transition, calling it a reflection of the bloc’s enduring tradition of cooperation.
“The handover of the SADC Chairmanship is part of a long-standing tradition symbolising the continuity of shared commitment to regional development,” he said.
He urged President Rajoelina to emulate his predecessor’s example, while assuring President Mnangagwa that his counsel and continued engagement remain vital to the organisation.
“As his Excellency Dr ED Mnangagwa hands over the Chairmanship to the President of Madagascar, we look forward to his continued leadership, guidance and indeed counsel as a member of the SADC.
“To the incoming Chairperson of SADC, Your Excellency Andry Rajoelina, we look forward to working collaboratively with you and build on the progress made under his Excellency Dr Mnangagwa’s stewardship,” he said.
Discussions at the summit also focused on the ambitious goal of mobilising US$625 billion to implement priority projects under the RISDP (2020–2030).
Leaders agreed that achieving this target will require more than financial resources — it will demand deeper integration, genuine collaboration, and a shared vision among member states.
The summit’s proceedings echoed a powerful message: regional unity is essential for overcoming challenges and unlocking opportunities.
By working together, SADC leaders believe they can strengthen governance, bolster economic development and enhance security across the bloc.
As the gathering concluded, optimism was palpable.
Leaders left Madagascar with a renewed sense of solidarity, determined to inspire their citizens and translate commitments into action.
With a strong foundation laid by outgoing leadership and a promising new Chairperson at the helm, the future of SADC appears bright.
The path forward, delegates agreed, lies in walking the talk of unity, cooperation and visionary leadership — turning shared aspirations into tangible growth and development for the region.
dyton mupawaenda