South Africa assumes SADC Council of Ministers Chairship

South Africa has assumed the Chairship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Council of Ministers for the 2026-2027 period. Minister Ronald Lamola, leading the agenda, is prioritizing regional integration, economic transformation, and infrastructure modernization. Key objectives include accelerating industrialization through agricultural transformation and moving from raw material exports to local manufacturing and mineral beneficiation.

During the Council of Ministers meeting in Durban, SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi reported progress in energy, digital connectivity, and trade. The region added 3,253 megawatts of new installed generation capacity across 12 mainland Member States during the 2025/26 financial year, bringing the total installed capacity to over 88,000 megawatts.

While regional electricity access increased from 56% in 2024 to 60% in 2025, Magosi emphasized that progress must be measured by reliable access for households and essential services. The leadership also aims to implement the SADC Protocol on the Free Movement of People and invest in climate-smart agriculture to strengthen regional resilience against global geopolitical and economic shifts.