The 45th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government, held in Antananarivo, Madagascar, has re-appointed Mr. Elias Magosi as the Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community for another four-year term. His reappointment ensures continuity in the regional body’s efforts to strengthen integration, economic cooperation, and peace across its 16 member states.
SADC, representing a population of over 417 million people, faces complex regional challenges including economic disparities, political instability, and climate change impacts. Magosi’s leadership is expected to focus on addressing these issues while promoting sustainable development and shared prosperity.
In an interview with The Atlas, Magosi outlined his priorities for the next term. He emphasized accelerating regional trade and investment, improving infrastructure connectivity, and deepening cooperation in key sectors such as energy, agriculture, and technology. He also highlighted the importance of peace and security as a foundation for sustainable development.
Magosi reflected on the progress made during his previous term, citing achievements in harmonizing trade protocols, advancing industrialization initiatives, and strengthening the SADC Secretariat’s capacity to respond to member states’ needs. He acknowledged ongoing challenges, including uneven economic growth, cross-border conflicts, and the need for enhanced regional policy coordination.
Looking ahead, Magosi stressed the need for inclusive policies that address inequality and create opportunities for youth and women, who form a significant portion of the region’s population. He also called for increased collaboration between SADC member states and development partners to mobilize resources for large-scale projects.
His reappointment is expected to provide stability and strategic guidance as SADC continues to pursue its long-term objectives of regional integration, poverty reduction, and economic resilience. With leadership continuity, the organization aims to leverage its collective strength to position Southern Africa as a competitive and united region in the global economy.
The 45th Ordinary Summit reaffirmed SADC’s commitment to these goals, emphasizing that cohesive leadership, effective policy implementation, and active collaboration among member states are essential for translating regional strategies into tangible benefits for citizens.
