Durban to Host 46th SADC Summit and Industrialisation Week in August 2026

Leaders from the Southern African Development Community gathered in Durban for the 9th SADC Industrialisation Week, which runs ahead of the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government slated for 3‑18 August 2026 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre. The events focus on regional industrialisation, trade integration and quality assurance in pharmaceuticals, with South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation highlighting innovation and the SADC Accreditation Service urging stronger quality systems after lessons from the COVID‑19 pandemic.

Municipal authorities are accelerating venue upgrades, including a R11.9 million renovation of bathroom facilities, to accommodate President Cyril Ramaphosa’s attendance and address recent xenophobia concerns. South Africa will assume the SADC chairmanship for the next year, aiming to strengthen economic cooperation, peace and security across the region.