Gaborone, Botswana: On 14 July 2025, Ms. Angele Makombo N’Tumba, the Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration at the Southern African Development Community (SADC), met with Ms. Tao Lili, Deputy Ambassador and Minister Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Botswana. The visit also served as a familiarisation engagement for Ms. Lili, who commenced her tour of duty to Botswana in April 2025.
The SADC and the People’s Republic of China share a longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship, underpinned by diplomatic relations, bilateral cooperation and cultural exchanges. As part of its support to regional development efforts, the Government of China provides the SADC Secretariat with an annual grant to assist with corporate planning and strategic initiatives. During the meeting, Ms. Makombo N’Tumba extended her best wishes to Ms. Lili for a successful tour of duty in Botswana. She also conveyed SADC’s deep appreciation for China’s continued support towards the region's integration agenda, particularly through contributions aligned with the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030.
In her remarks, Ms. Tao Lili expressed gratitude for the strong cooperation and enduring partnership between the People’s Republic of China and the SADC region. She acknowledged SADC’s vital role as a key regional institution advancing development and integration across Southern Africa through various cooperative frameworks. The meeting also reflected on the participation of the SADC Secretariat at the 2024 Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing, China. During the forum, H.E. President Xi Jinping announced a US$50 billion support package for Africa for the next three year, reaffirming China’s commitment to deepening its engagement with the continent.
