Natalie Nyathi
As Zimbabwe’s term as chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) comes to an end, Madagascar is getting ready to take over the leadership role. The transition will officially happen during the 45th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, which is set to take place next month in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
Zimbabwe, under President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has held the SADC chairmanship since August 17, 2024. During this time, the country focused on several key areas, including industrialization, food security, and regional unity. The theme for Zimbabwe’s chairmanship was “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustainable Economic Growth and Regional Integration.” This theme aimed to encourage self-reliance and strengthen regional economies.
Throughout its leadership, Zimbabwe emphasized the importance of developing local industries and improving trade within the region. The country held various meetings to discuss how to enhance cooperation among SADC member states and remove barriers to trade. Zimbabwe also worked on initiatives to improve food security, especially in light of climate challenges affecting agriculture across Southern Africa.
As Madagascar prepares to take over the chairmanship, it is making significant efforts to ensure a smooth transition. A delegation from the SADC Secretariat, led by Deputy Executive Secretary Dr. Judith Kateera, recently visited Madagascar to assess the country’s readiness for the summit. They inspected key facilities, including Ivato International Airport and hotels that will accommodate dignitaries attending the event. Dr. Kateera expressed confidence in Madagascar’s preparations, stating that the country is ready to host a successful summit.
Madagascar’s Foreign Minister, Rafaravavitafika Rasata, assured the SADC team that the nation is committed to delivering an excellent event. The summit will serve as a platform for discussing important issues such as regional economic integration, peace, and security. It will also include a meeting of the SADC Council of Ministers to prepare key documents for approval by the heads of state.
Madagascar’s leadership will last for one year, until August 2026. This period will be crucial for the country as it aims to strengthen its role within the SADC and contribute to regional development. The upcoming summit will not only mark the official handover of the chairmanship but also set the tone for Madagascar’s priorities during its term.
As Madagascar steps into this leadership role, it will have the opportunity to build on the work done by Zimbabwe and address ongoing challenges in the region. The focus will likely remain on enhancing economic cooperation, ensuring food security, and promoting peace and stability across Southern Africa.