The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, Ms Angele Makombo N’tumba, on 12 February 2026, received a courtesy call from Mr Giuseppe Busini, Senior Inspector at the European External Action Service (EEAS). The meeting took place at the SADC Secretariat Headquarters in Gaborone, Botswana.
The EEAS serves as the diplomatic arm of the European Union (EU), responsible for advancing the EU’s foreign and security policy, overseeing EU Delegations worldwide and coordinating the work of EU missions globally.
The meeting provided an opportunity to further strengthen dialogue and collaboration between SADC and the European Union, particularly in relation to cooperation with the EU Delegation to Botswana. Discussions focused on consolidating the longstanding partnership between SADC and the EU, assessing ongoing areas of collaboration and exploring avenues to enhance strategic alignment in support of regional integration and sustainable development.
Mr Busini highlighted that the purpose of his visit was to engage in a periodic review of the partnership, noting the importance of taking stock of progress to ensure that the cooperation remains responsive, relevant and aligned with the core mandates of both institutions. He reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting regional integration efforts and strengthening the effectiveness and sustainability of joint cooperation frameworks.
Ms Makombo N’tumba expressed appreciation for the constructive and mutually beneficial relationship that SADC has enjoyed with the European Union over the years. She acknowledged the EU’s continued technical, financial and high-level support to regional programmes and initiatives aimed at advancing SADC’s integration agenda.
SADC and the European Union primarily cooperate under the 2021–2027 Multiannual Indicative Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa (MIP SSA), implemented within the framework of the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI – Global Europe), which succeeded the European Development Fund (EDF). This cooperation framework continues to guide joint efforts in promoting regional integration, economic development, peace and institutional capacity across the SADC region.
