Good morning from Antananarivo! Today marks a key moment for Southern Africa as SADC Chairman, President Mnangagwa, joins fellow leaders for the regional bloc’s 45th Summit of Heads of State and Government at the Ivato Conference Centre in Madagascar.
Held under the banner, “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC,” this year’s summit promises to shape the region’s future, with a focus on economic growth and sustainable development.
President Mnangagwa, who arrived yesterday, highlighted the summit’s crucial agenda and is set to hand over the SADC chairmanship to Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina.
Stay tuned as our reporter, Wallace Ruzvidzo, brings you live updates and exclusive insights from the heart of the action at Ivato Conference Centre.
Summit to focus on industrialisation, agric
The 45th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government will focus on the region’s industrialisation, agricultural transformation and inclusive energy transition, the bloc’s chairperson, President Mnangagwa, has said.
The President arrived here yesterday ahead of the regional bloc’s meeting, where he will hand over the baton to Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina, marking the end of his successful tenure.
Writing on his official X handle upon arrival, President Mnangagwa said SADC would reaffirm its commitment to building a stronger and more united Southern Africa.
“I have arrived in Antananarivo for the 45th SADC Summit, where I will hand over the chair to H.E. President Andry Rajoelina.
“Our agenda: industrialisation, agricultural transformation and inclusive energy transition —building a resilient and united SADC,” he wrote.
President Mnangagwa’s tenure as SADC Chairperson celebrated
President Mnangagwa’s tenure as chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) will go down in history as having advanced peace and stability in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) under the African union (AU)’s “Silencing the Guns” initiative.
The President’s one-year tenure, which ends today when he hands over the chairpersonship to Madagascar’s Andry Rajoelina, will also be remembered for bringing together two regional blocs — SADC and the East African Community (EAC) — as part of a historic push to spearhead efforts to curb conflict in the eastern DRC.
In an interview yesterday, Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications), Mr George Charamba, said, under Zimbabwe’s leadership, the two regional blocs led efforts to facilitate the merger of the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes into a single African-led framework.
“I would suggest and strongly argue that the biggest and foremost achievement that we registered as the chairman of SADC related to silencing the guns,” Mr Charamba said.
President Mnangagwa arrives for 45th SADC Summit
SADC Chairman President Mnangagwa has arrived at the Ivato Conference Centre for the Summit of Heads of State and Government.
He was welcomed by SADC Council of Ministers Chair Dr Rafaravavitafika Rasata.
Incoming SADC Chairman Andry Rajoelina, the Executive Secretary, Mr Elias Magosi, and other Heads of State arrived earlier ahead of the arrival of the regional bloc’s Chairman.
Other delegates, including Zimbabwe’s Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube, Minister of Industry and Commerce Mangaliso Ndlovu and Attorney General Virginia Mabiza arrived earlier.
Delegates settle in ahead of the official opening
Delegates are now settling ahead of the commencement of the Summit.
Preceding the start of the opening session will be the Family Photo of SADC Heads of State and Government, along with the SADC Executive Secretary.
Thereafter, Heads of State and Government and invited special guests will enter the auditorium in procession and take their positions, followed by the observation of the anthems of Madagascar, SADC, and the African Union (AU).
The Heads of State and Government will then be introduced by the Director of Ceremonies, followed by a cultural performance from Madagascar.
Mr Magosi will deliver his introductory remarks, which will be followed by a welcome statement from the President of Madagascar as the incoming SADC Chairperson.
Shortly after, Presidents Duma Boko (Botswana), Daniel Chapo (Mozambique), Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (Namibia), and Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam will give their maiden speeches.
Following the maiden speeches, the regional winners of the 2024 SADC Secondary School Essay Competition, SADC Tertiary Institution Essay Competition, and Media Awards will be announced.
SADC Chairperson President Mnangagwa will then deliver his keynote address and ceremonially hand over the SADC Chairperson’s Badge to the incoming Chairperson, who will subsequently give his acceptance statement.
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