By John K WaDisho
ANTANANARIVO | 12 August – Madagascar has officially assumed the chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Council of Ministers as the regional bloc convenes in Antananarivo from 12–14 August 2025.
The three-day meeting brings together foreign and trade ministers from SADC’s 16 member states to review key policies and programmes ahead of the 45th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government scheduled for 17 August. The summit will finalise and adopt recommendations emerging from the Council.
Under the theme “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC,” the Council will deliberate on deepening regional integration, bolstering peace and security, and promoting inclusive economic growth.
In a ceremonial handover, Zimbabwe’s Minister of International Relations and Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, passed the gavel to Madagascar’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Rafaravavitafika Rasata.
According to SADC’s official statement, ministers will assess progress under the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030, and consider measures to accelerate infrastructure development, strengthen food security, transition to cleaner energy, and enhance stability in the region.
Madagascar’s tenure as chair is expected to place special emphasis on leveraging regional value chains and advancing sustainable energy initiatives to drive long-term resilience. Namibia Daily News
