The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Council of Ministers has gathered in Harare, Zimbabwe, to deliberate on key regional economic and development issues. The meeting, themed “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustained Economic Growth and Development Towards an Industrialized SADC,” focuses on evaluating progress and addressing challenges in the region’s integration efforts.
Top on the agenda is the mid-term review of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030. While implementation has advanced, hurdles such as financial constraints, unratified protocols, and misaligned national policies continue to slow progress. Ministers are also assessing the financial state of SADC’s regional initiatives and the Secretariat’s operations, with contributions from member states and international partners remaining crucial to the region’s economic growth.
The gathering includes a review of decisions from the August 2024 SADC Summit and a performance report covering April 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025. Other critical discussions include the approval of the Annual Corporate Plan and budget for the 2025/2026 financial year, the audit report findings, and an analysis of how shifting global geopolitical dynamics, including USA-Africa relations, impact the region.
Eswatini’s delegation is led by Thabsile Mlangeni, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, who serves as the country’s SADC National Contact Point.
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