SADC Executive Secretary to Attend 2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand

The Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), His Excellency Mr. Elias M. Magosi, will participate in the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG), to be held in Bangkok, Kingdom of Thailand, from 12 to 18 October 2026.

The 2026 Annual Meetings will bring together central bankers, ministers of finance and development, private sector executives, representatives of civil society organisations and think tanks, academics, and other key stakeholders to deliberate on issues of global concern, including the world economic outlook, global financial stability, development financing, debt sustainability, digital transformation, climate resilience, job creation and strategies for fostering inclusive and sustainable growth.

The event will be held under the theme “Thailand’s New Horizons: Empowering People, Building Resilience”. The theme reflects Thailand’s transition into a new horizon, drawing lessons from more than 35 years of economic development, underscoring its role as a regional and global convening hub.

In line with the theme, the SADC Secretariat will use the opportunity to highlight regional initiatives aimed at strengthening economic resilience, enhancing human capital development, expanding financial inclusion, promoting climate adaptation and disaster risk management, and mobilising sustainable investment to support industrialisation and regional value chains across Southern Africa. These priorities are central to building a more inclusive, competitive and resilient SADC Region.

The Annual Meetings will provide opportunities for bilateral engagements with the World Bank, strategic partners and other key stakeholders to exchange views on regional and global economic developments, strengthen cooperation and explore opportunities for mobilising resources in support of regional integration. 

The engagements will further provide an opportunity to exchange views on issues of mutual interest and advance cooperation in areas including regional integration, infrastructure development, industrialisation, trade and investment, human and social development, climate resilience, disaster risk management and sustainable development financing.

SADC's participation in the Annual Meetings reaffirms the Region's commitment to strengthening global partnerships, advancing resilient and inclusive development, and mobilising strategic investments that contribute to sustainable economic transformation and improved livelihoods across Southern Africa.