Antananarivo: The city of Antananarivo, capital of Madagascar, is set to host the 45th ordinary summit of the heads of state and government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) this Sunday. This summit will witness the transfer of the rotating presidency from Zimbabwe to Madagascar, marking a significant event for the regional organization.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the summit, which takes place at the Ivato Conference Center, coincides with the 20th anniversary of Madagascar's accession to SADC. The theme for this year's event, "Promoting Industrialization, Agricultural Transformation and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC," underscores the region's focus on industrialization driven by human and financial capital. This theme was initially adopted during the 43rd summit in Luanda under Angola's presidency.
Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, the outgoing president of SADC and Head of State of Zimbabwe, will present a review speech, concluding his term that began in August last year. Andry Rajoelina, the President of Madagascar, will deliver an acceptance speech outlining the country's agenda for the next 12 months as the new chair of the regional organization.
The summit aims to accelerate regional integration through strengthening industrial capacity, modernizing agriculture, and promoting an inclusive energy transition. It will also review the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020-2030 and the Chairperson's report on Political, Defence and Security Cooperation.
Security concerns in the region, particularly in Mozambique due to the situation in Cabo Delgado and post-electoral conflict, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to its conflict with Rwanda, remain high on the agenda. The summit will address these issues, considering their potential impacts on regional stability.
Preparatory meetings, including the Standing Committee of Senior Officials, the Finance Committee, and the SADC Council of Ministers, have set the agenda for the summit. The 8th Annual Industrialization Week and a Ministerial Dialogue on partnership between SADC and the USA were notable events leading up to the summit. Additionally, the Troika summit of the Organ for Political, Defence and Security Cooperation, led by Tanzania and including Zambia and Malawi, is scheduled ahead of the main event.
As the supreme policy-making body of SADC, the summit will provide political direction and oversight, emphasizing cooperation and integration among its 16 member states. The Troika system, established in 1999, enables swift decision-making and political guidance within the community.
SADC, comprising 16 member states, aims to promote sustainable economic growth and development through cooperation and integration. It operates on principles of good governance, peace, and security to enhance the region's competitiveness in international relations and the global economy.
