The Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders gathered on 7 October 2025 under one vision of regional integration and a resilient SADC economy that works for its people.

President Cyril Ramaphosa officially opened the SADC Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government, calling for collective action to build peace, stability, and prosperity across the region.

The virtual meeting followed Madagascar’s recent decision to step down from the SADC chairmanship.

The Madagascan military government, led by Colonel Michael Randrianirina, said its current focus is on building strong institutions and strengthening national unity.

BUILDING UNITY THROUGH SADC REGIONAL INTEGRATION

Ramaphosa, now incoming SADC Chairperson, emphasised that the region’s future depends on how member states respond to shared challenges.

He urged leaders to act decisively and protect the progress made toward SADC regional integration and industrialisation.

He said the bloc’s greatest strength lies in solidarity, not only during crises, but in building long-term solutions that ensure stability and inclusion for all citizens.

FOCUS ON INDUSTRIALISATION AND ENERGY TRANSITION

Outgoing chairperson, Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, called for maintaining the regional theme of promoting industrialisation, agricultural transformation, and energy transition for a resilient SADC.

He stressed that reliable power supply, food security, and job creation remain at the core of regional growth plans.

The continuation of this theme, he said, will help the region implement crucial projects before the 2026 summit.

The theme was announced during the 45th SADC Heads of State and Government Ordinary Summit earlier this year.

The ordinary summit took place in Madagascar, where leaders agreed to select South Africa as the chair for 2026.

As a result, South Africa will host the 46th summit in August 2026.

A SHARED VISION FOR SADC ECONOMIC GROWTH

Additionally, Ramaphosa reminded leaders that citizens cannot wait for 2050 to see results. He said the summit must deliver practical solutions now, addressing issues such as political instability in countries like Madagascar and Tanzania and uneven development.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the SADC Treaty’s founding values of unity, peace, and mutual benefit.

They said the meeting reflects confidence in SADC’s economic growth and ability to find homegrown answers to complex regional problems.