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Ministers from across Southern Africa have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and economic integration following the conclusion of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Council of Ministers meeting held in Pretoria, South Africa.
The two-day meeting, chaired by Ronald Lamola, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, reviewed progress on key regional programmes and considered measures aimed at accelerating industrialisation, strengthening agricultural transformation and advancing energy transition across the region.
Speaking after the meeting, Mulambo Haimbe, Zambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, described the deliberations as constructive and forward-looking, saying the region must continue advancing reforms to promote growth and long-term sustainability.
“Zambia as a market is about 20 million people, but within the SADC region we are speaking of a market of more than 300 million people. That collective strength provides a strong platform for trade, investment and economic growth,” Haimbe said in a statement on Friday.
The council reviewed the implementation of previous SADC summit and council decisions, progress on the operationalisation of the SADC Regional Development Fund, disaster risk management initiatives and the mid-term review of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, Lamola thanked ministers and heads of delegation for what he described as constructive discussions and reaffirmed the region’s shared commitment to deeper cooperation.
“Our discussions have once again demonstrated the strength of our shared commitment to advancing regional cooperation and integration in the Southern African Development Community,” Lamola said.
Haimbe was accompanied by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen and National Coordinator of the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit Norman Chipakupaku.
Also present were Zambia’s Permanent Representative to SADC and High Commissioner to Botswana Pamela Chisanga, and Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa Grace Mutembo.
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