His Excellency Mr. Elias M. Magosi, the Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), recently held a high-level meeting with His Excellency Mr. Fan Yong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Botswana. The discussions reaffirmed the growing partnership between SADC and China, with a strong emphasis on deepening cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and sustainable development.
At the heart of the meeting was China’s ongoing annual grant of US$90,000 to SADC. This financial support plays a vital role in advancing SADC’s corporate planning and the effective implementation of its Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2030–2050. The RISDP serves as a blueprint for transforming the Southern African region through economic integration, industrial development, and regional connectivity.
During the engagement, H.E. Magosi expressed his appreciation for China’s unwavering support and highlighted the critical importance of sustained collaboration across various sectors. He noted that China’s contribution is instrumental in helping SADC align with global and continental development frameworks, particularly the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Ambassador Fan Yong echoed China’s commitment to regional integration and emphasized Beijing’s readiness to further strengthen cooperation with SADC member states. He underlined that China views its partnership with SADC as a cornerstone of its broader engagement in Africa.
The meeting also drew attention to China’s broader role in supporting Africa’s growth. Notably, Ambassador Yong referenced the recent Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit held in Beijing, where China announced a substantial US$50 billion support package for African development. This package includes initiatives in infrastructure development, trade facilitation, technological advancement, and capacity building.
As SADC continues to implement its strategic goals, partnerships like the one with China are crucial to unlocking regional potential and fostering inclusive economic growth. The dialogue between the two leaders marks another milestone in a long-standing relationship built on mutual respect, shared goals, and a collective vision for a prosperous and interconnected Southern Africa.
