Harare, (New Ziana) – The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is set to hold its 45th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government on 17 August this year in Madagascar, marking a historic milestone for the island nation, which celebrates 20 years of being a member of the regional grouping.
To be held under the forward-looking theme “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC,” the Summit is expected to galvanise momentum around deepening regional integration through a three-pronged strategy: strengthening industrial capacity and regional value chains, modernising agriculture, and advancing inclusive and sustainable energy transitions.
In a statement, SADC said the 2025 gathering will also witness a key leadership transition, with the host President, Andry Rajoelina assuming the rotating SADC chairpersonship, taking over from President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“The Summit will review progress on the implementation of the SADC Regional Indicative Development Plan (RISDP) 2020 – 2030, consider the report from the chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, and review achievements under the 44th Summit theme: “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustained Economic Growth and Development Towards and Industrialised SADC,” it said.
As the supreme policy-making body of SADC, the Summit is a critical platform for setting the direction of regional cooperation, economic development, and political security. The Summit is expected to chart concrete strategies to boost regional resilience amid global economic shifts, climate threats, and energy challenges.
In the lead-up to the main Summit, a series of preparatory and consultative meetings will be convened, such as the 8th SADC Industrialisation Week, Senior Officials and Experts Meeting on the RISDP, Standing Committee of Senior Officials and the SADC Council of Ministers meetings.
Other build-up meetings include the SADC-USA Dialogue Forum, a Public Lecture at the University of Antananarivo, SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation and the Summit of the SADC Organ Troika.
These gatherings are expected to shape policy proposals and strengthen intergovernmental cooperation ahead of formal endorsement by the Heads of State.
In a bid to enhance public engagement and transparency, both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 45th Summit will be broadcast live via the official platforms of the Republic of Madagascar and the SADC Secretariat, including the SADC Facebook page and YouTube channel.
The Summit comes at a time when the region is working to consolidate gains in peace, economic stability, and inclusive development, key elements in achieving the SADC Vision 2050 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
As Madagascar prepares to welcome regional leaders, expectations are high that the Antananarivo Summit will not only celebrate two decades of Malagasy participation in SADC, but also deliver actionable outcomes to advance the bloc’s collective aspirations for prosperity, security, and sustainability.
New Ziana
