Antananarivo, Madagascar – The 45th Ordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) opened this week at the IVATO Conference Centre, bringing together heads of state and government under the theme “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC.”
President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar was elected Chairperson of SADC, taking over from Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who led the bloc for the past year. Rajoelina called for shared responsibility among member states to strengthen economic resilience, regional stability, and sustainable development across Southern Africa.
The summit also marked the first participation of four newly elected leaders: Botswana’s Advocate Duma Boko, Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo, Namibia’s Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, and Mauritius’ Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. Their maiden speeches focused on deepening regional cooperation, promoting peace and security, and supporting industrialisation, trade, and investment as drivers of inclusive growth. 
Delegates are expected to address key regional challenges, including food security, climate resilience, industrialisation, energy transition, and broader economic development, setting the stage for a strengthened and more integrated Southern African community.
