Online Reporter
Kudakwashe Mugari in DURBAN, South Africa
SADC has moved to accelerate resource mobilisation for regional infrastructure and industrialisation after the Summit commended Member States that ratified the SADC Regional Development Fund.
Leaders also paid tribute to President Mnangagwa for his stewardship as outgoing Chairperson of SADC and member of the SADC Troika.
The resolutions were adopted at the 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government held on Monday in Durban, chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“The Summit commended Member States that have ratified the Agreement on the operationalisation of the SADC Regional Development Fund and urged those that have not yet ratified the Agreement to facilitate its entry into force to expedite the process in order to enhance resource mobilisation and accelerate the implementation of regional infrastructure, industrialisation, and socio-economic development programmes and projects,” the communiqué reads.
“Summit commended President Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Outgoing Chairperson of SADC, for his unwavering support and commitment towards advancing regional integration and economic development in the SADC region during the interim period as a member of the SADC Troika.”
Summit adopted the theme: “Resilient, Sustainable, and Inclusive Industrialisation through Infrastructure Development, Agricultural and Critical Minerals Transformation in Pursuit of a Just World.”
To drive it, leaders mandated focus on RISDP 2020-2030 priorities: agro-processing, critical mineral value chains, just energy transition, economic corridors, one-stop border posts, and health financing. Summit also approved the SADC Tourism UNIVISA Agreement to ease cross-border travel and boost investment and arrivals.
In a major diplomatic endorsement, the Summit congratulated Zimbabwe on its election as a Non-Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council for 2027-2028.
“Summit expressed confidence in Zimbabwe’s ability to advance multilateral cooperation, promote international peace and security, and effectively represent the interests of the SADC region, Africa, and the Global South within the UNSC,” reads the communiqué.
The Summit reiterated its call for the unconditional removal of sanctions on Zimbabwe, saying they continue to limit the country’s economic potential.
Leaders called for the removal of non-tariff barriers and harmonisation of standards to increase intra-regional agricultural trade.
With El Niño shocks expected, the Summit directed Member States to strengthen early warning systems, expand irrigation, and scale up climate-smart agriculture.
On health, Summit designated the Botswana Vaccine Institute as the regional Foot and Mouth Disease Antigen and Vaccine Bank.
It called for continued support to the DRC on the Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak and commended Zimbabwe, Angola, South Africa, Africa CDC and WHO for their efforts to curb the deadly disease.
Summit reaffirmed solidarity with the DRC and support for democratic reforms in Madagascar.
Former Presidents Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana and Dr Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique were appointed to the SADC Panel of Elders.
President Ramaphosa assumed the SADC Chairmanship, with Zambia as Incoming Chair.
His Majesty King Mswati III of Eswatini was elected Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation.
The 47th Ordinary SADC Summit will be hosted by Zambia.
