The summit adopted the theme, “Resilient, Sustainable, and Inclusive Industrialization through Infrastructure Development, Agricultural and Critical Minerals Transformation in Pursuit of a Just World”, placing infrastructure, agriculture and mineral resources at the center of SADC’s development strategy.
Leaders also backed a SADC Tourism universal visa (UNIVISA), designed to simplify travel across member states, stimulate tourism and attract investment.
They urged countries to accelerate the signing and ratification of regional agreements needed to deepen integration and economic cooperation.
On security, the bloc reaffirmed solidarity with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and support for efforts to restore peace, protect civilians and strengthen humanitarian responses.
Leaders also welcomed constructive engagement in Madagascar, urging stakeholders to preserve calm and resolve political grievances through dialogue.
Mozambique was commended for its inclusive national dialogue and continuing efforts to combat terrorism in Cabo Delgado.
SADC also welcomed regional initiatives to strengthen disease surveillance following the Ebola outbreak in the DRC, while commending South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization (WHO) for supporting the response.
The summit congratulated Zimbabwe on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2027-2028 and reiterated SADC’s call for the removal of sanctions imposed on Harare, arguing that they constrain Zimbabwe’s economic potential.
Economic integration featured prominently, with leaders calling for stronger regional value chains, increased intra-SADC trade and the removal of non-tariff barriers affecting agricultural commodities.
Member states were also urged to prepare for anticipated El Niño-induced climate shocks through early-warning systems, irrigation and climate-smart agriculture.
The summit endorsed recommendations from the mid-term review of SADC’s Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan, highlighting industrialization, agro-processing, critical minerals, economic corridors, one-stop border posts and health financing as high-impact priorities.
Ramaphosa was elected SADC chairperson, while Zambia became incoming chair.
King Mswati III of Eswatini was elected chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defense and Security Cooperation.
Former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi and former Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano were appointed to the SADC Panel of Elders.
The next SADC summit will be held in Zambia.
Click here for more information.