Zimbabwean President and current Southern African Development Community (SADC) Chairperson, Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, along with Botswana’s President Advocate Duma Boko, are set to visit the SADC Secretariat Headquarters in Gaborone today. This significant visit underscores the importance of fostering regional cooperation and advancing the SADC’s mission of regional integration and economic development.
SADC chairpersons customarily visit the Secretariat Headquarters during their tenure to familiarize themselves with the Secretariat’s operations and provide strategic direction on the implementation of SADC programmes. This tradition ensures continued alignment between the Secretariat’s efforts and the broader goals of the SADC member states.
President Mnangagwa’s Leadership as SADC Chairperson
President Mnangagwa assumed the role of SADC Chairperson on August 17, 2024, during the 44th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government in Harare, Zimbabwe. His chairmanship comes at a pivotal moment for the region, with priorities including economic recovery post-COVID-19, climate resilience, and deeper regional integration. His visit to the Secretariat demonstrates his commitment to these objectives and his hands-on leadership style in steering the region towards shared prosperity.
Inauguration of the SADC Headquarters Building
A key highlight of the visit will be the official handover of the SADC Secretariat Headquarters building. The handover will be conducted by Bongwe Investments Proprietary Limited, which managed the construction and governance of the building under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Agreement. The agreement involved SADC, Bongwe Investments, and the Government of Botswana as a guarantor, showcasing the region’s innovative approaches to infrastructure development.
The completion and handover of the headquarters symbolize a significant milestone in the SADC’s journey. It provides a central hub for regional decision-making and collaboration, further solidifying Gaborone’s role as the heart of SADC operations.
Strengthening Regional Integration
The presence of both President Mnangagwa and President Boko at this event highlights the unity and commitment of SADC leaders towards the region’s integration agenda. Their joint engagement not only demonstrates solidarity but also reinforces the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving SADC’s vision of a peaceful and economically prosperous southern Africa.
As the SADC Chairperson, President Mnangagwa is expected to provide critical insights and guidance on the Secretariat’s programmes, ensuring that they align with the aspirations of member states. His visit, alongside President Boko, further cements the significance of the SADC Secretariat as a cornerstone of the region’s growth and development.
Today’s visit by Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa and Advocate Duma Boko to the SADC Secretariat Headquarters is a powerful reminder of the region’s shared vision and commitment to progress. As the leaders engage with the Secretariat and commemorate the handover of the headquarters building, they reinforce the collective resolve of the SADC member states to address challenges, embrace opportunities, and pave the way for a brighter future for southern Africa.
