Antananarivo – The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Council of Ministers began its annual meeting yesterday in Antananarivo, Madagascar, where ministers from across the region are discussing strategies to deepen integration, boost economic growth, and strengthen peace and security. The three-day gathering, running from 12 to 14 August 2025, will prepare the groundwork for the 45th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government set for 17 August.
Held under the theme “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC”, the meeting also marked the ceremonial handover of the Council chairpersonship from Zimbabwe’s Minister of International Relations and Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, to Madagascar’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Rafaravavitafika Rasata.
Professor Murwira cautioned that delays in ratifying SADC protocols and agreements were slowing regional integration and weakening the bloc’s ability to build a strong, rules-based framework. He pledged Zimbabwe’s continued support to Madagascar’s leadership and called on other member states to do the same. 
Accepting the role, Dr. Rasata thanked member states for their confidence and said Madagascar would prioritise the inclusion of island states in the regional agenda. She noted that linking the maritime, environmental, and economic potential of islands with the industrial and agricultural strengths of mainland countries could foster a more self-reliant and competitive SADC.
The Council will over the next days review progress on the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020–2030, assess reports from SADC institutions, and adopt measures on industrialisation, infrastructure, food security, energy transition, and peace and security. Decisions taken will shape the agenda for next week’s summit.
