Senior Officials of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened today, the 13th August 2025 in Antananarivo, Madagascar for the inaugural SADC-USA Senior Officials Dialogue Forum, marking a significant milestone in advancing cooperation and strategic engagement between the two partners.
Speaking on behalf of the SADC Executive Secretary, Ms. Angèle Makombo N’Tumba, the Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, highlighted that the Dialogue Forum was a result of sustained engagement since February 2022. She underscored that the Forum presents a valuable opportunity to strengthen ties with the United States Government; one of SADC’s longstanding partners in regional integration; through meaningful dialogue on shared priorities, including peace and security, economic development, trade, investment, and sustainable development.
Ms. Makombo N’Tumba reaffirmed that SADC’s integration agenda is anchored in the SADC Vision 2050 and guided by the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030, which prioritises peace and security, industrialisation, infrastructure, and social and human development. She encouraged participants to explore ways to deepen cooperation across these areas, noting the importance of realigning the partnership considering evolving global dynamics and shifting policy priorities in the current U.S. administration.
“It is essential that we establish practical approaches to adapt to emerging realities and refocus our cooperation towards a more responsive and mutually beneficial partnership, grounded in trust and shared values,” she stated.
Welcoming the U.S. delegation, Mr. Eric Ratsimbazafy, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Madagascar and Chairperson of the SADC Standing Committee of Senior Officials, commended the United States for its commitment to this initiative. He noted that the convening of the Forum represented “a political milestone and a historic moment in our partnership,” providing a platform for open and constructive dialogue.
