The forthcoming visit of His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe and Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), alongside President Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana, to the SADC Secretariat in Gaborone on December 13, 2024, is a significant event for the region.

President Mnangagwa, who took over as SADC Chairperson in August 2024 during the 44th SADC Summit in Harare, is expected to use this visit to gain a deeper understanding of the Secretariat’s operations and the progress of various regional initiatives. This customary visit by the SADC Chairperson is crucial for ensuring that the Secretariat’s efforts align with the broader goals of regional integration and development.

During the visit, President Mnangagwa will be briefed on the implementation status of SADC programmes and the decisions made at the recent summit. The theme of the summit, “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustainable Economic Growth and Development towards an Industrialized SADC,” will be a focal point of these discussions. A major highlight of the visit will be the formal handover of the SADC Headquarters building from Bongwe Investments Proprietary Limited to the SADC Heads of State and Government. This building has been managed under a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) agreement involving SADC, Bongwe Investments, and the Government of Botswana as a guarantor. This handover symbolizes the successful collaboration between public and private sectors in enhancing regional infrastructure.

Another significant event during the visit will be the groundbreaking ceremony for the SADC Standby Force Regional Logistics Depot (RLD) at Rasesa village in the Kgatleng District. This depot is intended to serve as a storage facility for materials and equipment needed by the SADC Standby Force for peace support and humanitarian missions. The establishment of this depot is a strategic move to bolster the region’s capacity to respond to crises and maintain stability. The visit underscores the importance of regional cooperation and the role of leadership in driving the SADC agenda.

President Mnangagwa’s engagement with the Secretariat and his collaboration with President Boko highlight the commitment of SADC leaders to fostering economic growth, innovation, and industrialization in the region. This visit is not just a ceremonial event but a critical opportunity for the SADC Chairperson to provide policy direction and ensure that the Secretariat’s activities are effectively contributing to the region’s development goals. It also reflects the ongoing efforts to strengthen regional ties and enhance the collective capacity of SADC member states to address common challenges.

Source: Adapted from information provided by the SADC Secretariat and regional news reports.