BY SIBUSISEKILE NDLANGAMANDLA
MBABANE – Eswatini is participating in the meeting of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Council of Ministers, currently underway in Durban, South Africa, as the region advances efforts to strengthen regional integration, economic resilience and sustainable development.
The meeting marks the formal assumption by the Republic of South Africa of the Chairship of the SADC Council of Ministers for the period August 2026 to August 2027, following its tenure as Interim Chair since November 2025. South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Honourable Ronald Lamola, assumed the Chairship and called for stronger regional integration, economic resilience and shared prosperity across the SADC region.
Representing Eswatini at the meeting are the Minister of Economic Planning and Development, Dr Tambo Gina, and the Director of SADC, Thobile Dlamini, who are participating in discussions on matters critical to the region’s development and integration agenda. The Council of Ministers is considering the record and recommendations of the SADC Standing Committee of Senior Officials, which has been meeting since 6 August 2026. The discussions provide an important platform for Member States to review progress and make decisions on key regional programmes and priorities.
Among the matters under consideration is the approval of the Revised Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030, which serves as a key framework for advancing SADC’s regional integration and development objectives. Council is also considering the financial affairs of the Organisation, resource mobilisation initiatives and other matters aimed at strengthening the implementation of SADC programmes.
Addressing the meeting, Minister Lamola outlined South Africa’s regional agenda, placing emphasis on peace and security, economic transformation, infrastructure development and human capital development. He stressed that lasting regional peace and stability remain essential foundations for sustainable economic development and shared prosperity.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Zimbabwe, Honourable Professor Dr Amon Murwira, called on Member States to deepen regional integration, strengthen self-reliance and accelerate the implementation of key regional development programmes. SADC Executive Secretary, His Excellency Elias M. Magosi, similarly emphasised the importance of stronger cooperation, resilience and self-reliance as the region responds to a rapidly changing global environment.
The Council of Ministers plays a central role in overseeing the functioning and development of SADC and ensuring that the Community’s policies, strategies and programmes are effectively implemented. It also serves as an advisory body to the SADC Heads of State and Government on policy matters.
The current meeting is an important step towards the 46th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, providing Member States with an opportunity to deliberate on strategic regional priorities and strengthen collective action towards a more integrated, resilient and self-reliant Southern Africa.
Eswatini’s participation, through the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, underscores the country’s continued commitment to regional cooperation and to advancing development priorities that contribute to economic integration and shared prosperity across the SADC region.
#MEPD #SADC #SADCIntegration #RegionalDevelopment #RegionalIntegration #EconomicResilience #RISDP #Eswatini #SADC46
