The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat held a meeting in Mahalapye, Botswana, from May 26 to 28, 2025, to develop a Status of Regional Integration Index. The meeting brought together Secretariat experts and was led by Mr. Dennis Rweyemamu, Acting Director of Policy, Planning, and Resource Mobilisation.
The index aims to provide a clear framework for measuring progress in regional integration across economic, social, and political sectors. It will help track achievements, pinpoint gaps, and guide policy decisions among SADC member states.
Discussions focused on identifying key metrics and methods to accurately reflect the level of integration in the region. The index will support alignment with the SADC Common Agenda, Vision 2050, and the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP 2020-2030). 
This initiative is seen as crucial to promoting accountability, deeper regional cooperation, and coordinated efforts towards economic growth, sustainable development, and poverty reduction across Southern Africa. The SADC Secretariat expects the index to be a vital tool in steering the community toward a more unified and prosperous future for its citizens.
