The 46th Ordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) kicked off on Monday in Durban, South Africa, focusing on deeper regional integration and economic development.

Under the theme "Resilient, sustainable and inclusive industrialisation through Infrastructure Development, Agricultural and Critical Minerals Transformation in Pursuit of a Just World," the summit aims to promote collaboration among member states to accelerate industrial growth and infrastructure connectivity.

Key Highlights from the Summit

  • Peace and Security: SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi emphasized ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security across the region.
  • Trade and Investment: The bloc seeks to expand intra-regional trade, which currently accounts for about 20% of total trade, and attract greater investment.
  • Infrastructure Development: There is a strong push for improved roads, railways, and modern ports to better connect member countries and link Southern Africa to global markets.
  • Energy and Climate Resilience: Leaders highlighted the need to boost electricity generation, strengthen water and digital security, and develop climate-resilient food systems.
  • Youth Participation: Creating an enabling environment for youth engagement in economic transformation was urged by the Executive Secretary.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who took over as SADC chairperson from Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, stressed the importance of removing non-tariff barriers, harmonizing standards, and improving border management to facilitate the free movement of goods, services, capital, and skills.

Ramaphosa noted that the regional economy grew by approximately 3.4% in 2025 but acknowledged that the full potential of the integrated market remains untapped. He called for intensified efforts to develop regional value chains and industrialisation to improve livelihoods across Southern Africa.

The summit also reinforced SADC's role as a platform for businesses to access the wider African market of over 1.4 billion people.