On 13th December 2024, Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe and Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), visited the SADC Secretariat in Gaborone, Botswana, to push for faster progress on regional integration and development.
During his visit, President Mnangagwa, accompanied by Botswana’s President Duma Gideon Boko, met with the SADC Secretariat to discuss key issues affecting the region. Dr. Mnangagwa, who assumed the role of SADC Chairperson in August 2024 at the 44th SADC Summit in Harare, took the opportunity to review the Secretariat’s efforts in advancing the region’s integration agenda.
One of the main topics of discussion was the region’s low intra-regional trade, which stands at just 23%. The SADC Chairperson called for efforts to remove trade barriers and urged member states to capitalize on trade opportunities through the SADC Protocol on Trade, the SADC Free Trade Area, and the SADC Industrialisation Strategy.
Dr. Mnangagwa also addressed the SADC Secretariat, urging them to stay adaptable in light of global changes and to continue providing research and evidence-based recommendations to advance regional objectives.
The Chairperson commended member states for their progress in promoting innovation, science, and technology, aligning with the 44th SADC Summit’s theme of fostering sustainable economic growth and industrialisation.
In terms of security, Dr. Mnangagwa expressed concern over the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, which has caused significant civilian casualties and displacement. He reaffirmed SADC’s commitment to supporting peace efforts in the DRC through the SADC Mission.
Dr. Mnangagwa also noted the importance of energy diversification for regional development, pointing to the growing use of alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, and bioenergy. He highlighted the need for SADC member states to reduce reliance on coal and hydropower for industrialisation and economic growth.
