On 17 August 2025, Madagascar closed the 45th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Under the chairmanship of Andry Rajoelina, recently elected head of the organisation, member countries discussed several major issues. Beyond the crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), discussions focused on strengthening regional cooperation to better address security and economic challenges.
At the close of the 45th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on 17 August 2025, the outgoing president of the institution, Emmerson Mnangagwa, issued an urgent appeal to member states to strengthen regional cooperation. In a context marked by persistent security tensions and growing economic challenges, the leader emphasised the importance of regional solidarity in building a more resilient and prosperous SADC.
Today we celebrate a historic event: SADC Day. This day marks the beginning of a new era of unity, peace, solidarity, integration and regional cooperation.
Emmerson Mnangagwa, Outgoing SADC President
In his speech, President Mnangagwa emphasised the need to strengthen collective security mechanisms, particularly in areas affected by instability, such as eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and certain regions of Mozambique. He praised the joint mediation and peacekeeping efforts carried out in partnership with other African institutions such as the East African Community (EAC).
The role of SADC in consolidating peace, security, constitutionalism and democracy is essential for a stable and secure Southern Africa in order to attract investment.
Emmerson Mnangagwa, Outgoing SADC President
On the economic front, SADC has advocated for greater integration of regional markets, the promotion of intra-African trade, and enhanced cooperation in infrastructure and energy. SADC Day commemorates the signing of the founding treaty on 17 August 1992 in Windhoek, Namibia, marking the transition from the Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC) to the current SADC.
Increasing trade in our products within our respective countries is crucially important in our quest to accelerate regional integration. Young people, women and our human capital are essential catalysts for unlocking sustainable development.
Emmerson Mnangagwa, Outgoing SADC President
At the end of the meeting, Madagascan President Andry Rajoelina was elected acting president of the regional organisation, succeeding Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe for a one-year term. This presidency gives Madagascar significant visibility, as it hosted several economic and political events on the sidelines of the summit.
