A delegation from Eswatini is in Harare, Zimbabwe, for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Council of Ministers meeting. Led by the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, Ms. Thabisile Mlangeni, the delegation is attending discussions focused on economic and regional development.
The two-day session includes senior officials and technical experts reviewing the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020-2030. The review assesses progress, evaluates its effectiveness, and identifies areas needing accelerated action in the final phase of implementation.
Adopted in 2020 by the SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, the RISDP 2020-2030 aims to promote regional integration, economic growth, and poverty reduction. It aligns with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. 
The plan is built on a foundation of Peace, Security, and Good Governance, supporting three main pillars: Industrial Development and Market Integration, Infrastructure for Regional Integration, and Social and Human Capital Development. Cross-cutting themes include gender equality, youth involvement, climate change, and disaster risk reduction.
Eswatini’s delegation includes Ms. Thobile Dlamini, Director of the SADC Regional Integration Coordinating Unit, Mr. Vulindlela Kunene, Under Secretary for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Ms. Bachazile Zama Mtetwa, Director of Industry at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Trade. Representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force, and the Eswatini High Commission in Pretoria are also in attendance.
Later, Ms. Portia Mamba, Chairperson of the SADC Audit and Risk Assessment Committee, and Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Vusie E. Dlamini, will join the delegation for further discussions on financial oversight and governance.
