August 12, 2025

MADAGASCAR BEGINS TENURE AS CHAIR OF THE SADC COUNCIL OF MINISTERS

The Council of Ministers of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is convening from 12 to 14 August 2025 in Antananarivo, Republic of Madagascar to deliberate on key programmes, policies, and interventions aimed at accelerating deeper regional integration, strengthening peace and security, and fostering inclusive economic development. The meeting serves as a preparatory platform for the 45th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, scheduled to take place on 17 August 2025, during which final documents and recommendations will be presented for consideration and adoption.

This year’s Council meeting is being held under the Summit Theme: Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC.”

A highlight of the meeting was the ceremonial handover of the SADC Chairpersonship of the Council of Ministers from Honourable Professor Amon Murwira, Minister of International Relations and Trade of the Republic of Zimbabwe to Honourable Dr. Rafaravavitafika Rasata, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Madagascar.

In his handover remarks, Honourable Professor Murwira underscored the critical importance of regional integration and accelerating the implementation of SADC legal instruments.

“A key impediment to advancing our regional integration agenda is our slow uptake of SADC Protocols and Agreements. This delay is not just a procedural concern; it strikes at the very heart of our shared vision for a united, prosperous, and resilient region. Without timely ratification, our ability to establish a robust, rules-based framework is significantly hampered,” he emphasised.

The outgoing Chairperson further commended Honourable Dr. Rafaravavitafika Rasata for her readiness to assume this important leadership role, assuring her of Zimbabwe’s unwavering support, and urging other Member States to extend the same commitment.

In her acceptance speech, Honourable Dr. Rafaravavitafika Rasata expressed gratitude to all SADC Member States for the trust placed in Madagascar and affirmed the country’s readiness to steer the Council during its tenure.

“SADC is an essential pillar of regional cooperation and solidarity, on which we can rely to jointly address our challenges and seize the opportunities before us,” she stated.

She pledged to place particular emphasis on the inclusion and advancement of island states within the regional agenda, noting that Madagascar, as an island nation, understands the importance of recognising and addressing their unique realities.

“By uniting the maritime, economic, environmental, and cultural potential of the islands with the resources, agricultural strength, and industrial capacity of our continental states, we can build the self-reliant and competitive SADC we aspire to,” she affirmed.

Over the three-day meeting, the Council of Ministers will review progress on the implementation of the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030, consider reports from various SADC institutions, and adopt key decisions to advance the region’s priorities in industrialisation, infrastructure development, food security, energy transition, and peace and security.

The outcomes of the Council meeting will feed directly into the deliberations of the 45th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, where leaders will forge the way forward for a more integrated, resilient, and prosperous Southern African region.