Gaborone: The 46th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) began on Monday, with leaders of the Regional Bloc expressing commitment to issues impacting the future of Southern Africa and its people.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Elias Magosi offered words of encouragement to continental cooperation partners, as well as to international organizations, reflecting the strengthening and collective determination to raise the aspirations of the peoples of the regional community, solidifying mutual benefit and added value to the region. "Today, our region is home to approximately 382 million people and a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) exceeding R$ 847 billion. These achievements are a testament to the transformative power of unity, partnership and collective action," he said.
Magosi emphasized the importance of SADC Day, celebrating decades of regional cooperation, the promotion of peace and security, the expansion of trade and investment, and the improvement of infrastructure and the lives of populations. He invited attendees to honor the founding leaders of the community whose courage and legacy continue to inspire current efforts to build a stronger, more peaceful, better integrated, and prosperous Africa.
The executive secretary highlighted that from its origins as a regional cooperation and liberation movement, SADC has evolved into one of Africa's most dynamic and resilient communities. The summit coincides with another anniversary of SADC, celebrated on Monday, August 17, marking the transformation of the former Southern African Development Coordination Conference.
