Madagascar to Take Over SADC Chairmanship as President Mnangagwa’s Term Concludes
MADAGASCAR — President Emmerson Mnangagwa will officially transfer the Southern African Development Community (SADC) chairmanship to Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina on August 17, during the 45th Summit of Heads of State and Government.
This handover, set to take place in Antananarivo, marks the end of Zimbabwe’s one-year term and ushers in Madagascar’s first time at the helm since joining the bloc in 2005.
Held under the banner “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC,” the summit will highlight strategic initiatives across the region.
According to a communiqué issued by the SADC Secretariat, the event will focus on accelerating integration through economic pillars.
“The Summit will focus on accelerating regional integration through key pillars: strengthening industrial capacity and regional value chains, modernising agriculture, and promoting an inclusive energy transition, all aimed at building a resilient, sustainable, and cohesive SADC region,” the Secretariat said.
President Mnangagwa’s term has been credited with notable regional achievements.
These include supporting peace efforts in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, securing a permanent Secretariat headquarters, and presiding over the launch of the SADC Regional Logistics Depot in Botswana.
SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi, who arrived in Madagascar on Sunday, is overseeing final logistical preparations for the gathering.
According to Business Daily, Madagascar’s hosting of the summit carries symbolic significance.
It marks two decades since the island nation joined the bloc and celebrates its first opportunity to steer SADC’s agenda.
The Heads of State are also expected to review the implementation of the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030, examine updates from the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, and assess outcomes from the 44th Summit held last year.
Ahead of the main event, a series of lead-up meetings are scheduled. These include the Standing Committee of Senior Officials, followed by the Council of Ministers Meeting from August 12 to 14, and the SADC-US Dialogue Forum on August 13.
On August 14, a public lecture will be held at the University of Antananarivo, followed by sessions of the Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation from August 15 to 16.
President Rajoelina is expected to direct SADC’s agenda toward deepening industrialisation, driving agricultural reforms, and advancing energy transition during his term.
Proceedings from the summit — including both opening and closing ceremonies will be streamed live on the bloc’s official Facebook page and YouTube channel.
