Sema Fonkem 18/08/2025

Leaders of Southern African Development Community (SADC) have appointed South Africa to chair the 2026 SADC summit under president Cyril Ramaphosa’s government.

The decision was reached during the 45th ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of States held in Antananarivo, Madagascar under the theme ‘Advancing Industraliasation, Agricultural Transformation and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC’.

“I am humbled by the responsibility you have entrusted on me and the government of South Africa to join the leadership of the SADC Troika of this august organisation. The government of South Africa looks forward to welcoming you all as Heads of States, Ministers and other delegates to our shores… to the shores of the most beautiful country in the world.” Said president Ramaphosa

The summit of Heads of States is the highest policy-making institution of SADC. Every year, all presidents from member states gather to review overall policy direction, discuss regional issues and make key decisions to control the community’s function.

During the ceremony presided by president of Madagascar Andry Rajoelina, His Excellency Mr. Elias Magosi from Botswana was maintained as Executive Secretary of SADC. A position he has occupied since August 18 2021 when he was sworn in at the Lilongwe summit.