Harare, (New Ziana) –The 45th Ordinary Summit of Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government ended in Antananarivo, Madagascar, on Sunday, with the leaders reaffirming their commitment to peace, economic transformation, and regional integration.
The summit, attended by Presidents, Prime Ministers and senior representatives from all 16 member states, elected Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina as the new SADC Chairperson, taking over from Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was praised for his “exemplary leadership” during his tenure.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was named incoming chairperson while Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera assumed the role of Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, with Eswatini’s King Mswati III appointed as incoming chairperson of the organ.
In a communique released after the summit, SADC said its leaders reaffirmed the commitment of the regional bloc to restoring peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), commending joint mediation efforts with the African Union and East African Community.
The summit paid tribute to soldiers who lost their lives under the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) and dismissed misinformation about the mission, stressing it was conducted in line with regional and international law.
Progress in Lesotho’s reform process was acknowledged, with the country officially removed from the Organ Troika’s agenda, signaling political and security stabilisation.
The summit observed moments of mourning for late regional leaders, including Namibian founding President Dr Sam Nujoma, Zambian former President Edgar Lungu, and South African former deputy President David Mabuza.
Newly elected leaders were warmly welcomed, namely Botswana’s Duma Boko, Netumbo Nandi of Namibia, Mozambique’s Daniel Chapo, and Mauritius’ Navin Ramgoolam, who all delivered maiden addresses, said SADC.
Delegates endorsed the theme “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC”, placing emphasis on food security, climate-smart agriculture, irrigation, and blue economy initiatives.
According to the communique, member states were urged to strengthen responses to animal diseases, particularly Foot and Mouth Disease, and to scale up cholera response through presidential task forces and investment in sanitation.
Leaders also highlighted the need to accelerate the SADC Regional Development Fund to support resilience and long-term investment, while directing efforts towards fast-tracking the North–South Economic Corridor and advancing maritime corridor strategies.
The summit reaffirmed solidarity with Western Sahara’s struggle for self-determination, welcoming the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. It also called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza strip, release of hostages, and a resumption of peace talks to end the humanitarian crisis.
SADC leaders approved amendments to the Protocol on Finance and Investment, tightening measures against money laundering. They commended Tanzania for hosting the Mission 300 African Energy Summit earlier this year, and urged member states to develop national energy compacts with support from the World Bank and African Development Bank.
The summit urged member states to accede to or ratify outstanding legal instruments to deepen regional integration. It also called for stronger action on gender equality, urging states to increase the participation of women in politics and decision-making, and to intensify efforts against gender-based violence.
SADC executive secretary Elias Magosi was re-appointed for a final four-year term in recognition of his leadership in advancing the goals of the organisation.
Looking ahead, the summit noted upcoming elections in Malawi, Seychelles and Tanzania later this year, and wished the nations peaceful and successful polls.
New Ziana
