SADC Heads of State and Government Summit Elects New Chairpersons

The 43rd Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) was held on August 17, 2023, in Luanda, Republic of Angola. The summit was attended by the leaders of all 16 SADC member states.

The summit elected His Excellency João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola, as the new Chairperson of SADC. He will serve a one-year term. The outgoing Chairperson, His Excellency Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, was commended for his leadership during his tenure.

The summit also elected His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, as the new Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. He will serve a two-year term. The outgoing Chairperson, His Excellency Dr. Hage Gottfried Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia, was commended for his outstanding leadership and continued efforts in sustaining peace and security in the region.

The summit discussed a number of issues, including the political and security situation in the Kingdom of Lesotho, the extension of the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM), the security situation in the eastern DRC, and the readiness of the Member States that will hold elections during the year.

The summit also endorsed the theme of the 43rd SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, titled “Human and Financial Capital: The Key Drivers for Sustainable Industrialisation in the SADC Region”. The theme seeks to address two of the most critical enablers in supporting regional industrialisation in the context of climate change and 4th Industrial Revolution.

The summit also endorsed the Regional Gas Master Plan, 2023-2038, as a gas infrastructure investment blueprint to facilitate coordinated harnessing of natural gas resources within the region.

The summit concluded with the leaders of SADC reaffirming their commitment to working together to achieve the goals of the SADC Treaty.

In addition to the above, the summit also approved the following:

1. The SADC Declaration on Accelerating Action to end HIV and AIDS as a Public Health Threat in the SADC Region by 2030.
2. The SADC Protocol on Employment and Labour.
3. The appointment of Dr. Judith Kateera, a citizen of the Republic of Zimbabwe, as the new SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Corporate Affairs.

Commenting on the SADC Declaration on Accelerating Action to end HIV and AIDS, Mr. Kelvin Mudzingwa, a member of the KOBA 99-04 Business Club said, “It is a pivotal step towards addressing the devastating impact of this epidemic in the SADC Region. It underscores the urgent need for initiatives and programs that prioritize prevention, testing, treatment, and support.”

Mr. Mudzingwa stated that collaboration in the manufacturing of life-prolonging drugs is essential to ensure that these medications are not only accessible but also affordable for all those in need.

“As a member of the KOBA 99-04 Business Club, I emphasize the critical role that public-private partnerships can play in advancing these goals. It’s imperative that we work together to achieve the vision of eliminating HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.”

The summit extended its appreciation to the Government and the people of the Republic of Angola for successfully hosting the 43rd SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government.