SADC hosts the Annual Conference of Heads of Corrections, Prisons and Penitentiary Services in Malawi

The Southern African Development Community (SADC), with the support of the Republic of Malawi, will convene the Annual Conference of SADC Heads of Corrections/ Prisons /Penitentiary Services from 19 to 22 May 2026 in Salima, Republic of Malawi, at the Sunbird Livingstonia Hotel.

Under the theme “Pathways to Change: Facilitating Effective Offender Rehabilitation and Reintegration in Corrections/Prisons,” the conference reflects a growing regional and global shift from purely punitive approaches towards rehabilitation and reintegration. This shift comes in response to persistent challenges such as overcrowding in correctional facilities as well as high recidivism rates.

The conference will be officially opened by the Honourable Peter Mukhito, Minister of Homeland Security of the Republic of Malawi, who will set the tone for the deliberations.

The conference aims to strengthen regional cooperation and networking among SADC Correctional Services by promoting the exchange of best practices, addressing shared challenges and fostering innovation in rehabilitation and reintegration. The deliberations will also explore programmes, tools and approaches that support behavioural change and promote the successful reintegration of offenders into society.

It will explore innovative approaches in rehabilitation including restorative justice, diversion programmes, psychosocial support and community-based reintegration initiatives. It will also reinforce compliance with international frameworks such as the Nelson Mandela Rules, thereby ensuring the humane treatment of inmates and the respect for their inherent dignity and rights.

The Conference will benefit from global insights in Prison Reform from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime as well as stakeholders insights on Collaboration beyond the walls.