The Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened its Ordinary Council of Ministers Meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe. The event was marked by opening remarks from Mr. Elias M. Magosi, the Executive Secretary of SADC, who expressed deep gratitude to the Government and people of Zimbabwe for their hospitality and excellent facilities provided for the gathering.
In his address, Mr. Magosi emphasized the importance of reflecting on the region’s progress, challenges, and achievements over the past year. He highlighted the collective resolve of SADC Ministers to advance the regional development and integration agenda, particularly as the region approaches the mid-term of the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020-2030. This plan is the strategic blueprint guiding SADC’s efforts in socio-economic integration, peace, and security.
Key milestones were acknowledged, such as the successful conclusion of the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM), which was deployed in July 2021 to support Mozambique in combating terrorism and violent extremism in Cabo Delgado. The mission’s efforts resulted in significant improvements, including the return of over 600,000 internally displaced persons to their homes.
Similarly, the ongoing SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), launched in December 2023, was noted for its critical role in addressing the resurgence of armed conflicts in the region. Despite financial constraints, the mission has garnered support from the UN Security Council, bolstering efforts to restore peace and security.
Mr. Magosi also underscored the region’s commitment to industrial development and market integration, noting that industrialization remains a cornerstone of SADC’s regional integration and development strategy. The recent SADC Industrialization Week, held in Zimbabwe, was highlighted as a successful platform for promoting economic growth, creating jobs, and fostering cross-border trade and investment partnerships.
In terms of regional monetary cooperation, the SADC Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system was celebrated for its role in facilitating faster cross-border transactions within the region. As of May 2024, the system had processed transactions worth approximately USD 701.88 billion, marking a significant achievement in regional financial integration.
Resource mobilization efforts were also highlighted, with the SADC Secretariat securing cooperation agreements worth USD 185 million to support various regional initiatives. However, Mr. Magosi urged Member States to accelerate the ratification of key legal and policy instruments necessary for advancing SADC’s regional integration agendThe meeting concluded with Mr. Magosi expressing his appreciation for the leadership of the outgoing Chairperson of the SADC Council of Ministers, His Excellency Ambassador Téte António, Minister of External Relations of the Republic of Angola, and welcoming the incoming Chairperson, Honourable Dr. Frederick Shava. Mr. Magosi assured the new leadership of the Secretariat’s full support in driving the regional agenda forward.
