Historic Signing of SADC Treaty Amendment Marks New Era for Regional Parliament

Hon. Jacob Mudenda, Speaker of the National Assembly of Zimbabwe, has arrived in Gaborone, Botswana, to witness a defining moment in the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) political evolution. The historic signing of the Agreement to Amend the SADC Treaty, led by H.E. President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana, represents a major step toward establishing a fully-fledged SADC Regional Parliament.

Speaker Mudenda has been a key player in this transformation, serving as the Chairman of the Strategic Lobby Team for over 11 years. Throughout this period, he has dedicated his efforts to the SADC Parliamentary Forum’s institutional evolution, working alongside lobbyists from other SADC member states, including South Africa, Zambia, Angola, and Botswana. This historic agreement will pave the way for a Regional Parliament, providing the SADC region with improved legislative oversight, policy coherence, and enhanced democratic accountability.

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The signing ceremony, presided over by President Boko, will be a momentous occasion for the SADC region. The Agreement marks a significant milestone in the region’s ongoing efforts to enhance governance structures and promote greater parliamentary cooperation. Botswana becomes the 14th member state to sign the Agreement, following years of diplomatic lobbying, which culminated in this momentous event. The transformation will lead to a stronger and more effective regional legislative body, enabling better coordination on policy matters, legislative oversight, and overall governance across the SADC member states.

“Today, we celebrate not only the transformation of the SADC Parliamentary Forum but also the vision that has brought us closer to a unified and accountable Southern Africa,” said Speaker Mudenda. “This agreement is the culmination of years of hard work, and it sets the stage for a new era in regional governance.”

Hon. Mudenda’s role has been pivotal in this journey. He led a strategic lobbying mission to Botswana in August 2024, advocating for the country’s formal commitment to the transformation. While the signing was delayed due to national elections, today’s event signifies a breakthrough for regional cooperation.

Looking ahead, Speaker Mudenda will also extend formal invitations to all SADC Regional Parliaments for the upcoming 57th Plenary Assembly of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, scheduled for May 31 to June 7, 2025, in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. With the theme “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Effective and Efficient Parliamentary Processes in the SADC Region: Experiences, Challenges and Opportunities,” the event will focus on exploring how AI and digital technologies can enhance the parliamentary process across the region.

This historic signing is not just a milestone for Speaker Mudenda but for the SADC region as a whole, reflecting Zimbabwe’s ongoing leadership in regional integration and parliamentary diplomacy. Under the guidance of President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, the current SADC Chairperson, Zimbabwe continues to play an instrumental role in shaping the future of the region’s governance and legislative frameworks.