JOHANNESBURG – President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed full confidence in the leadership and future direction of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), despite ongoing criticism about the bloc’s effectiveness in tackling regional challenges. Ramaphosa made these remarks during the 45th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government, held in Madagascar on Sunday.
As the regional bloc prepares for a rotation of leadership, Ramaphosa stated that the organization was in “good hands” and poised to make greater strides in economic integration, governance reforms, and sustainable development across Southern Africa.
“We are confident that under your stewardship, SADC will continue to advance regional integration, economic resilience, and sustainable development,” Ramaphosa told Madagascan President Andry Rajoelina, who assumes the SADC chair for the 2025-2026 term.
Ramaphosa Highlights Progress and Future Priorities for SADC
President Ramaphosa, speaking on behalf of South Africa and the wider SADC community, emphasized the importance of continuity in leadership and policy direction. He noted that Madagascar would build on the groundwork laid by Zimbabwe, which currently holds the rotating chairmanship of the regional bloc.
The summit focused on a wide range of issues, with several heads of state presenting reports and strategic proposals aimed at guiding SADC’s development agenda. Top priorities identified for the upcoming cycle include:
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Strengthening industrial capacity
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Enhancing regional value chains
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Modernizing agricultural systems
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Promoting an inclusive and just energy transition
Ramaphosa said these initiatives were essential to fostering inclusive growth and addressing structural challenges within member states.
While SADC plays a key role in shaping the political and economic landscape of Southern Africa, it has not been without its detractors. Critics have long accused the bloc of being ineffective in resolving conflicts, failing to address poor governance, and not doing enough to combat underdevelopment across the region.
However, Ramaphosa pushed back against this narrative, saying the organization had made measurable progress and was equipped to evolve further under capable leadership.
“Our collective responsibility is to ensure that we act decisively, speak with one voice, and implement our shared vision. The road is long, but the journey is worth it,” said Ramaphosa.
He added that with political will and deeper collaboration, SADC could overcome its historical challenges and become a model of regional unity and prosperity on the African continent.
Another key theme at the summit was the need for regional stability and political cooperation. President Ramaphosa acknowledged that lasting development in Southern Africa would not be possible without peace and security. He urged member states to work together in resolving ongoing crises and preventing future conflicts.
SADC has previously intervened in member states grappling with political instability, such as Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). But observers have often pointed to slow response times and inconsistent enforcement of democratic norms as ongoing weaknesses in the bloc’s approach.
Ramaphosa committed South Africa to supporting SADC’s peacekeeping and conflict-resolution mechanisms when it assumes leadership of the bloc in the 2026-2027 term.
President Ramaphosa also placed a strong emphasis on modernizing critical sectors such as energy and agriculture, stating that these were key to long-term food security and sustainable growth. The summit explored the possibility of shared infrastructure projects, cross-border investment, and technological innovation to boost productivity in these sectors.
With Southern Africa facing increasing pressure from climate change and global economic shocks, Ramaphosa urged member states to commit to inclusive and green development models that leave no country behind.
“Let us harness our natural and human resources to build a region that is resilient, forward-looking, and economically inclusive,” he said.
As the leadership of SADC transitions to Madagascar for the 2025-2026 period, President Ramaphosa has already begun preparing for South Africa’s upcoming chairmanship in 2026. His statements at the summit signal that South Africa will likely continue prioritizing economic development, regional integration, and institutional reform.
The next two years will be critical in shaping SADC’s trajectory, and Ramaphosa’s leadership credentials will be under close watch as the region navigates complex political and developmental challenges.
Source- EWN
