On February 26, 2025, Dr. Judith Kateera, the Deputy Executive Secretary for Corporate Affairs of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), met with H.E. Mr. Paul Jansen, Ambassador of Belgium to South Africa, and H.E. Mr. Erick Juacquemin, Head of the Southern Africa Desk at Belgium’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between SADC and Belgium. Dr. Kateera outlined key priorities for regional integration, including addressing peace and security issues, tackling climate change, enhancing strategic transport corridors, and advancing gender mainstreaming. She also discussed the progress of RISDP 2020-2030 projects and the importance of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in supporting these initiatives.
The two parties agreed on the need to establish a cooperation framework. Although there is no formal agreement yet, the Belgian delegation expressed a commitment to exploring possible cooperation options, particularly in areas like climate change, renewable energy, bio-medicine production, food processing, and academic partnerships.
