The 44th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit officially concluded yesterday in Harare, with member states making significant resolutions to enhance regional integration, peace, and economic development.
The summit brought together Heads of State and Government from across the region, who deliberated on key issues affecting the SADC community.
One of the major outcomes of the summit was the election of President Mnangagwa as the new SADC Chairperson, with Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina elected as the Incoming Chairperson.
The summit also recognised the leadership of Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, elected Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, with Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera named her successor.
The summit commended Zimbabwe for spearheading the construction of the Museum of African Liberation, a Pan-African multi-country facility in Harare that will preserve the diverse history of African liberation movements.
Member states were urged to contribute materials and artifacts to the museum, which is seen as a significant step in documenting the continent’s decolonization journey.
In the realm of peace and security, the summit noted the successful conclusion of the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) and commended the efforts of member states in restoring stability to the Cabo Delgado Province.
The summit also endorsed continued support for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Mozambique in consolidating peace and security, highlighting the need for sustained regional cooperation in these efforts.
Economic integration was another focal point, with the summit endorsing the theme of “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustained Economic Growth and Development towards an Industrialised SADC.”
The leaders emphasized the role of innovation in driving key sectors such as manufacturing, mineral beneficiation, and agro-processing to enhance industrialization and economic growth in the region.
The summit also celebrated the entry into force of the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFCA) agreement, which opens up a vast market of 26 countries, with a population of about 700 million and a GDP of $1 trillion.
Meanwhile, in his closing remarks, President Mnangagwa emphasized the importance of collective action and robust deliberations in advancing the region’s development agenda.
He urged member states to scale up engagements and implement strategies that enhance efficiencies necessary for achieving the region’s common vision.
“We emerge from this meeting with renewed energy, zeal, determination, and commitment to progressively and positively transform the lives and livelihoods of our peoples,” President Mnangagwa stated.
The summit also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing leaders, including Mozambique’s President Filipe Nyusi, whose term ends after the October 2024 elections, and commended the peaceful elections held in several member states, including Zimbabwe, South Africa, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The next SADC Summit is scheduled to be held in Madagascar, with President Rajoelina set to assume the role of Chairperson.
