Sixteen States Gather in Antananarivo
President Andry Rajoelina assumed the leadership of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for a one-year term at the 45th Summit of Heads of State and Government, held on August 17, 2025, in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
Sixteen countries were represented to discuss cooperation, security, economic development, and regional resilience.
The event marked several important transitions. South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa became the incoming Chair of SADC. Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of Malawi, assumed the Chair of the Organ on Politics, Defense, and Security Cooperation, while King Mswati III of Eswatini assumed the incoming Chair.
The summit’s theme, “Promoting Industrialization, Agricultural System Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC,” was the focus of discussions. Leaders encouraged investments in climate-smart agriculture, irrigation, the blue economy, and animal disease prevention. The fight against cholera was also discussed.
The Protocol on Finance and Investment was updated to include anti-money laundering. The Secretariat is preparing plans to develop North-South and Maritime Economic Corridors to strengthen trade and regional integration. The meeting welcomed the success of the 8th Annual SADC Industrialization Week and Expo, held in Antananarivo from July 28 to August 1, 2025, which showcased industrial innovation and agricultural transformation and strengthened Madagascar’s position as a regional hub.
Each country presented its priorities: Botswana for economic development, Eswatini for unity, Mauritius for innovation, Namibia for peace and security, Mozambique for inclusive dialogue, South Africa for industrial and energy cooperation, and the other member states on topics ranging from food security to the blue economy.
The summit ended on a positive note. Leaders committed to implementing the decisions, strengthening cooperation, and supporting industrialization, agricultural transformation, and the energy transition.
