DURBAN, South Africa: The 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government ended in Durban on Monday night, with His Majesty King Mswati III signing an agreement to amend Article 33 of the SADC Treaty.
The amendment seeks to strengthen the regional bloc’s framework for dealing with prolonged delays by member states in paying their financial subscriptions to SADC.
His Majesty signed the agreement before the closing ceremony of the summit, which brought together leaders from across the Southern African Development Community. 
The summit also saw the King formally take up his responsibility as Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
Eswatini’s new role places the Kingdom at the centre of regional efforts to promote peace, security and political stability.
Discussions at the summit focused on accelerating economic transformation through infrastructure development, industrialisation, agriculture, critical minerals, regional value chains and investment.
Member states called for increased trade in agricultural products within the region. They also supported measures to expand youth participation through skills development, entrepreneurship and employment creation.
The summit further called for greater participation by women in leadership and decision making across the region.
Leaders welcomed the approval of the SADC Tourism UNIVISA, which is expected to make travel between participating countries easier, support tourism and contribute to economic growth.
On peace and security, the summit considered the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and supported continued efforts to restore peace in the country.
SADC leaders also encouraged dialogue and the restoration of constitutional order in Madagascar.
The regional bloc commended Mozambique’s efforts to combat terrorism and supported continued cooperation to address threats to peace and security.
The summit also considered regional preparedness for health and climate related emergencies.
These include Ebola, Foot and Mouth Disease and climate shocks linked to the anticipated El Niño weather pattern.
The 46th SADC Summit was held under the theme, “Translating SADC Vision 2050 into Action: Pathways Towards Solidarity, Equality and Shared Prosperity.”
Zambia will host the 47th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government.
