The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Council of Ministers met in Harare on August 13-14, 2024, to finalize preparations for the upcoming 44th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government. The summit, set for August 18, 2024, is themed “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustained Economic Growth and Development towards an Industrialised SADC.”
Leading South Africa’s delegation was Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, accompanied by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana. The ministers focused on the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020-2025, which aims to drive economic growth, regional integration, and industrialisation across the SADC region, anchored in a climate of peace and stability.
Minister Lamola expressed approval of the Executive Secretary’s Report for the 2023/2024 period, noting its significance as the region approaches the Mid-Term Review of the RISDP in 2025. He acknowledged ongoing conflicts in Northern Mozambique and the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo but commended efforts toward restoring stability.
The Council also reviewed the SADC Secretariat’s capacity-building initiatives in conflict mediation, reflecting the region’s dedication to maintaining peace. Minister Lamola stressed the importance of enhancing early warning systems to prevent conflicts and address their root causes.
While notable progress has been made, including a 21% increase in intra-SADC trade to GDP in 2023 and the attraction of $6 billion in foreign direct investment, challenges remain. The overall implementation score for the RISDP currently stands at 5.6 out of 10, hindered by global disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and international conflicts. Minister Lamola called for renewed efforts to address these setbacks and improve social and human capital development.
Looking ahead, South Africa is set to assume the G20 presidency in 2025, the first time the summit will be hosted on African soil. The country plans to use this platform to spotlight the economic and developmental challenges facing developing nations, particularly in Africa.
Minister Lamola outlined South Africa’s stance on critical issues, including regional food and nutrition security, the re-establishment of the Mining Ministerial Forum, and the implementation of the Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap 2015-2063. He emphasized the need for value addition and commercialization of critical minerals to be central to the region’s industrialisation efforts.
Gender parity remains a key focus, with nearly half of South Africa’s Cabinet ministers being women following the May 2024 General Elections. Minister Lamola reaffirmed the country’s commitment to meeting the targets set in the Revised SADC Protocol on Gender and Development.
