SADC Member States must harness the region’s abundant mineral, agricultural, energy and human resources to drive industrialisation, strengthen regional integration and reduce dependence on external markets, H.E. Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa President of the Republic of South Africa and Chairperson of SADC has said.
President Ramaphosa delivered the keynote address at the SADC Public Lecture held on 14 August 2026 at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in Durban, South Africa, ahead of the 46th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government. Convened under the theme “Translating SADC Vision 2050 into Action: Pathways Towards Solidarity, Equality and Shared Prosperity,” the Public Lecture brought together political leaders, SADC institutions, academia, business, civil society, traditional and community leaders, women, youth and students.
At the centre of President Ramaphosa’s message was the need for SADC to move decisively from aspiration to action by using the region’s collective resources, markets and capabilities to build productive economies and deliver shared prosperity.
He called for greater regional processing of critical minerals and agricultural products, stronger manufacturing capacity and the development of regional value chains in which Member States contribute their respective resources and capabilities to common production systems.
President Ramaphosa further emphasised the importance of strengthening the regional market by removing barriers to trade, harmonising regulations and improving border processes to increase intra-SADC trade and create greater opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs and workers.
He also highlighted the need for integrated regional infrastructure, including transport corridors, energy systems, ports, logistics networks and digital connectivity, to link markets, facilitate the movement of goods and services, and support industrial production.
On financing, the President called for greater mobilisation of African and regional resources to support strategic cross-border projects and reduce dependence on external financing. He pointed to the potential of regional financial institutions, pension funds, public investment institutions, commercial banks and private capital to support the region’s development priorities.
The President also identified productive capacity in strategic sectors such as pharmaceuticals, digital technology and agriculture as important to strengthening regional economic and health sovereignty. Greater investment in agriculture, including irrigation, technology, seed development, veterinary science and agro-processing, was highlighted as an opportunity to improve food security, productivity and employment.
He stressed that the benefits of regional integration must be inclusive, particularly for women and young people, while peace, security, good governance and climate resilience must remain integral to the region’s development agenda.
Honourable Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, placed the discussions within the context of a rapidly changing global environment characterised by intensifying geopolitical competition, trade tensions, climate and health threats, and growing competition for Africa’s resources. He emphasised the need for SADC to strengthen regional solidarity, self-reliance and collective action in pursuit of a peaceful, inclusive and industrialised region.
H.E. Mr Elias Magosi, SADC Executive Secretary, reinforced the implementation agenda, emphasising that Vision 2050 must translate into tangible outcomes in infrastructure, industrialisation, regional value chains, employment, energy, food security and improved livelihoods. He further called for greater ownership and participation by Member States and non-state actors, including the private sector, academia, civil society, women and youth, supported by effective financing, coordination, monitoring and accountability mechanisms.
Other speakers, including the Honourable Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister in the Presidency of the Republic of South Africa; Professor Nana Poku, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of KwaZulu-Natal; Mr Thami Ntuli, representing the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government; Mr Mpho Parks Tau, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa; and Councillor Cyril Xaba, Mayor of the eThekwini Municipality, highlighted the importance of regional unity, public diplomacy and stronger people-to-people connections.
The speakers emphasised that regional integration must extend beyond government institutions and agreements to become meaningful to citizens. Greater public awareness, educational exchanges, regional media cooperation and cultural engagement were identified as important means of enabling citizens to better understand their neighbours and recognise the shared interests and opportunities that bind the SADC region together.
The Public Lecture also featured a High-Level Panel Discussion, which examined practical pathways for translating Vision 2050 into programmes and initiatives capable of supporting sustainable regional development. The discussion provided an opportunity to explore issues including industrialisation, regional value chains, infrastructure, trade, human capital, peace and security, and inclusive development.
An interactive session with the audience further enriched the engagement, allowing participants to raise questions and contribute perspectives on the implementation of the regional agenda. The proceedings concluded with a summary of key messages and recommendations emerging from the discussions.
The Public Lecture reaffirmed a common message: SADC Vision 2050 must move beyond aspiration and be translated into coordinated action, investment and measurable results. Achieving this will require stronger regional cooperation, effective implementation, inclusive participation and sustained commitment to building a peaceful, integrated, industrialised and prosperous Southern Africa.
