By 
President Hakainde Hichilema has raised the alarm over the interconnected crises of climate change, conflict, and chronic poverty, which have triggered an escalating hunger emergency affecting over 21 million children across the SADC region.
Speaking on his behalf, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, said at the 45th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government in Madagascar that the President emphasized the urgent need for SADC Member States to translate commitments into accelerated, integrated action to tackle the malnutrition emergency.
President Hichilema recalled Zambia’s severe drought during the 2023/2024 agricultural season, which affected key sectors and contributed to food and nutrition insecurity for approximately 5.8 million Zambians.
However, he noted that favourable weather in 2024/2025 led to a bumper maize harvest of about 3.7 million metric tonnes.
“Zambia is committed to continue working with all Member States to advance the transformation agenda, which will bring about a resilient, industrialised, food-secure, and energy-smart SADC region fit for the future and worthy of the hopes of the people,” he assured.
The President highlighted the region’s persistent challenges despite abundant natural resources, urging collective action to modernize agriculture and transition to cleaner, greener energy systems.
On regional food and nutrition security, he stressed that the Summit provided an opportunity to reaffirm commitments to initiatives aimed at transforming the agricultural sector.
These include increasing fertilizer and seed production, scaling up climate-smart technologies, adopting advanced soil-testing techniques, promoting conservation farming, and addressing barriers to mechanization.
Acknowledging the financial constraints faced by Member States, President Hichilema underscored the importance of fulfilling regional contributions to ensure the continued implementation of programmes under the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030.
Read More: Hichilema calls for vigilance as Zambia hands over SADC security chair
Convened under the theme “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC,” the Summit reviewed progress in implementing the RISDP, discussed private sector engagement for regional opportunities, and deliberated on peace and security issues.
Minister Haimbe conveyed President Hichilema’s congratulations to Madagascan President Andry Nirina Rajoelina on his election as SADC Chairperson and for hosting the Summit.
He also commended Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa for his leadership as Chair in the previous year.
Haimbe highlighted the Summit’s theme as a call for immediate action to build inclusive, self-reliant, and resilient economies that improve the quality of life for citizens across the region.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments