Gaborone – The outgoing French Ambassador to Botswana and Special Representative to the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Olivier Brochenin, paid a farewell visit to the SADC Secretariat headquarters in Gaborone on 27 August.
He was received by the SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Corporate Affairs, Dr Judith Kateera, who stood in for the Executive Secretary, Elias Magosi.
Discussions focused on France’s role as a long-standing partner to SADC, particularly through the European Union. France has been involved in the implementation of the 2021–2027 Multiannual Indicative Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa and has supported regional initiatives under Team Europe. These include cross-border water management, digital health, vaccine and medicine access, reproductive health programmes, and support for the African Continental Free Trade Area. 
Brochenin reflected on France’s partnership with SADC, describing the bloc as vital to regional peace, integration and development. He noted that France will continue engaging with the organisation through EU-led initiatives.
Dr Kateera conveyed SADC’s gratitude to the envoy and expressed confidence that relations with France will remain strong as the region works toward its Vision 2050 and the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020–2030.
