Online Reporter
Richard Muponde
Zimpapers Politics Hub
SENIOR officials from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the United States today launched the inaugural SADC–US Senior Officials Dialogue Forum in Antananarivo, Madagascar, marking what participants hailed as a historic turning point in strengthening ties between the regional bloc and Washington.
Speaking on behalf of SADC Executive Secretary Mr Elias Magosi, Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration Ms Angèle Makombo N’Tumba said the forum was the culmination of sustained engagement dating back to February 2022.
She stressed that the platform would advance cooperation on shared priorities including peace and security, economic development, trade, investment and sustainable growth.
“It is essential that we establish practical approaches to adapt to emerging realities and refocus our cooperation towards a more responsive and mutually beneficial partnership, grounded in trust and shared values,” Ms Makombo N’Tumba told delegates.
SADC’s development path, she added, was firmly guided by its Vision 2050 and the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030, which set out clear goals for industrialisation, infrastructure development, human capital growth and regional stability.
The meeting comes at a time when Southern Africa is seeking to deepen its economic integration and attract greater foreign investment, while addressing pressing challenges such as climate change, food insecurity and regional conflicts.
The US, a longstanding partner in SADC’s integration agenda, has supported various peace and governance programmes in the region, as well as initiatives in health, education and infrastructure.
Welcoming the US delegation, Madagascar’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and incoming Chairperson of the SADC Standing Committee of Senior Officials, Mr Eric Ratsimbazafy, praised Washington’s commitment to the new engagement framework.
“The convening of this forum represents a political milestone and a historic moment in our partnership,” Mr Ratsimbazafy said.
He noted that the talks offered a platform for “open and constructive dialogue” to address mutual interests.
Officials from both sides are expected to use the forum to review existing cooperation frameworks, identify new opportunities for trade and investment and align their strategies with changing global political and economic trends. The meeting sets the stage for further high-level engagement between SADC and the US potentially paving the way for broader agreements aimed at advancing sustainable peace and inclusive development across the region.
Online Reporter