The Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), His Excellency Mr. Elias M. Magosi, undertook official courtesy engagements with the leadership of the Republics of Madagascar and Seychelles from 20 to 23 January 2026. These engagements form part of the Executive Secretary’s broader initiative to consult Heads of State and Government, share his vision for the Secretariat, and seek strategic guidance on advancing sustainable regional integration, peace, and development.
Engagements in Madagascar
On 20 January 2026, in Antananarivo, the Executive Secretary paid a courtesy call on H.E. General Maminirina Eli Razafitombo, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and substantive Minister of National Defence of the Republic of Madagascar. This preceded his formal meeting with H.E. Colonel Michael Randrianirina, President of the Refoundation of the Republic of Madagascar, who assumed office in October 2025 following a national transition.
The Minister conveyed Madagascar’s appreciation for SADC’s balanced and principled approach to the country's political developments and reaffirmed the Government’s continued commitment to its obligations as a Member State.
Discussions focused on the ongoing transitional governance process, the importance of inclusive national dialogue, and efforts to stabilise essential services, including water and energy infrastructure. Madagascar also reaffirmed its decision to step aside from the SADC Chairmanship, citing the exceptional national context, while reiterating its dedication to the values and principles of the Community.
During his meeting with President Randrianirina, the Executive Secretary was briefed on progress in constitutional reforms and preparations for future democratic elections.
The President confirmed that the report requested by the SADC Extraordinary Heads of State and Government Summit in December 2025 would be submitted by the end of February 2026. President Randrianirina further emphasised that electoral reform remains a priority. While Parliament currently functions as a unicameral legislature, institutional reforms will be informed by the outcomes of the inclusive dialogue process.
On his part, the Executive Secretary reiterated the importance of sustainable resource mobilisation for regional development. He underscored the SADC Regional Development Fund (RDF) as a pivotal instrument to support infrastructure development and regional programmes, encouraging Member States to accelerate the ratification of the RDF Agreement. He noted that the RDF represents a shift towards African-led financing solutions, reducing reliance on external aid and strengthening regional self-sufficiency.
Engagements in Seychelles
On 22 January 2026, in Victoria, Seychelles, the Executive Secretary held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Barry Faure, Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, followed by a courtesy call on H.E. Dr. Patrick Herminie, President of the Republic of Seychelles, who was sworn in on 26 October 2025 following his election victory.
Discussions with Minister Faure and senior officials focused on: • Peace and stability as the foundation for sustainable development and deeper regional cooperation; • Outcomes of the SADC Election Observation Mission to Seychelles in 2025, with the final report formally submitted to the Government; • Seychelles’ settlement of contributions to the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), reaffirming its readiness for full participation in future SADC activities.
The meeting also covered: • Advocacy for the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) to better reflect the structural constraints facing Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and improve access to concessional financing; • Strengthening maritime cooperation and promoting sustainable, resilient energy solutions tailored to island economies; • Ongoing regional solidarity in support of Madagascar’s political transition.
Minister Faure announced that Seychelles would host the SADC Parliamentary Forum in June 2026, with the long-term goal of evolving the Forum into a SADC Parliament.
Later, in a meeting with H.E. Mr. Sébastien Pillay, Vice President of Seychelles, held on behalf of President Herminie, the Executive Secretary presented key regional initiatives, including the implementation of the Revised Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030, which guides the region’s integration and development agenda.
Vice President Pillay welcomed the visit as a reflection of the longstanding and dynamic partnership between Seychelles and SADC. He reiterated Seychelles’ commitment to regional integration and multilateralism and emphasised the need for: • Continued SADC support in promoting the MVI at international forums; E • Enhanced access to climate financing and debt relief mechanisms; • Strengthened regional financial frameworks such as the RDF to support island and coastal states.
The two leaders also exchanged views on broader issues, including economic transformation, regional trade, agro-processing, and the development of regional energy markets to enhance energy security across Member States.
The Executive Secretary concluded the missions by highlighting the importance of dialogue, inclusivity, and regional solidarity in realising the vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and resilient Southern Africa.
