Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders gathered in Botswana to mark a significant milestone in the region’s history with the official reception of the SADC Secretariat Headquarters Building and the launch of a new peacekeeping logistics depot.

President Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana, alongside His Excellency Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe and the current SADC Chairperson, presided over the ceremonial handover of the Secretariat Headquarters. Speaking at the event, President Boko highlighted the occasion’s importance:

“We are here to celebrate and officially receive this magnificent building, to attest to the attainment of this significant milestone in the history and development of SADC, and to reaffirm the bonds that hold us together as a region.”

The Secretariat Headquarters, located in Gaborone, Botswana, was developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement involving SADC, Bongwe Investments (Proprietary) Limited, and the Government of Botswana as a guarantor.

President Mnangagwa underscored the significance of this development in advancing regional integration and unity. Sharing his thoughts on social media, he wrote:

“Arrived in Botswana as SADC Chairperson to visit the SADC Secretariat HQ. This visit enables me to assess its work on regional integration and provide guidance on implementing key SADC programmes. Together, we’ll strengthen Southern Africa’s unity and development.”

In a separate ceremony, Presidents Mnangagwa and Boko officially launched the construction of the SADC Standby Force Regional Logistics Depot in Rasesa, Botswana. Spanning 19 hectares, the depot will enhance regional peacekeeping capabilities, serving as a critical hub for SADC’s Standby Force operations.

The new depot underscores SADC’s commitment to regional stability and security, providing the infrastructure necessary to support peacekeeping missions across Southern Africa.

These milestones mark a significant step forward for SADC, reflecting the region’s ongoing dedication to unity, development, and sustainable peace.