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.

Sponsor Logo

Rainbow Hotels — Experience Luxury Across Zimbabwe

Rainbow Hotels continues to redefine hospitality standards in Zimbabwe, offering world-class accommodation, fine dining, and modern conference facilities in Harare, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls.

Whether for business or leisure, Rainbow Hotels delivers unmatched comfort, exceptional service, and a truly premium guest experience tailored to modern travellers.

Book Now
Sponsored Content

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.

News

Empowering Single Ladies: A Step Towards Vision 2030

Harare – The Training of Provincial Leadership for Single Ladies for Economic Development was a resounding success, with participants from various districts converging to support the event. The gathering aimed to empower single ladies and the community, aligning with the government’s Vision 2030 objectives. Mrs. Chiedza Mavhongo, Founding National Chair for Single For Economic Development, […]

Read More
News

Zimbabwe, Botswana Strengthen Ties as President Mnangagwa Salutes Partnership

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has hailed the strong relationship between Zimbabwe and Botswana, highlighting the significant strides made in bilateral cooperation. Speaking at the 392nd Ordinary Session of the Politburo in Harare, President Mnangagwa emphasized the importance of the partnership, citing the successful convening of the 5th Bi-National Commission, which yielded tangible outcomes in trade, infrastructure, […]

Read More
News

Zimbabwe’s 2026 Tax Reforms Signal Shift from Revenue Extraction to Economic Formalisation

Zimbabwe’s 2026 tax reforms reflect more than routine fiscal adjustments. Beneath the technical amendments lies a broader economic recalibration, one that seeks to move the country from a fragile, transaction driven revenue model toward a compliance based, digitally monitored, and investment conscious tax system anchored on stability under the Zimbabwe Gold currency framework. At the […]

Read More