South Africa has outlined its main priorities for its Chairpersonship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), with a strong emphasis on driving economic growth and job creation, while strengthening peace and regional stability.
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola says the priorities are informed by the region’s growing young population and the need for SADC economies to create opportunities at a pace that matches demographic growth.
Speaking at the SADC Council of Ministers meeting in Durban on Wednesday, Lamola said South Africa’s 2026 – 2027 Chairpersonship would focus on four strategic areas: peace, security and stability; accelerated industrialisation; infrastructure development, and social and human capital development.
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“It brings responsibility into our hands to ensure that the level of economic growth and job creation is on par with this reality of a growing population. We must be responsive to this reality, and it means it cannot be business as usual. This Council of Ministers needs to guide this region. How do we contribute to change the tide of events on our continent?” the Minister said.
On peace and security, Lamola said South Africa would work to strengthen the region’s collective response to security and political challenges.
“We will promote peace, security and stability. The security of one Member State is inseparable from the security and stability of the entire Community,” he said.
SADC’s history of collective action, Lamola said, remains one of its greatest strengths.
“Our regional bloc has a proud history of collectively responding to threats to peace and security in our region. Time and again, we have demonstrated that regional solidarity remains our greatest strength in addressing emerging security and political challenges,” the Minister said.
On the economic front, South Africa will prioritise accelerated industrialisation through agricultural transformation, critical minerals beneficiation, increased regional trade and the development of regional value chains.
Lamola said the region must use its mineral wealth to drive local economic development rather than continue exporting raw materials.
“There is a growing consensus that rising demand for critical minerals presents a unique opportunity for our region’s economic and social development.
“Reversing this pattern requires us to beneficiate our resources, build regional value chains and trade more with one another,” Lamola said.
Infrastructure development will also be central to the Chairpersonship, with South Africa seeking to strengthen the energy, transport, ports, digital and water networks that support regional economic activity.
“We will champion the expansion and modernisation of the infrastructure that connects our region,” Lamola said.
He said stronger regional infrastructure is essential to expanding manufacturing and creating employment.
“Without these foundations, regional manufacturing cannot expand. At only 10% of GDP, it cannot generate employment on the scale our region requires.”
Lamola said the region’s youthful population makes job creation an urgent priority, noting that nearly 60% of Africa’s population is under the age of 25.
“This means our economies and level of job creation must be on par with population growth.”
The priorities will also be underpinned by a focus on gender equality, climate resilience and disaster risk management.
Lamola said South Africa would approach its SADC Chairpersonship as a collective responsibility, working with Member States to advance regional integration and shared prosperity.
“As Southern Africa’s most industrialised economy, we recognise the duty and obligation to place our capabilities at the service of regional integration and shared prosperity. We approach the Chairpersonship in that spirit, with humility, purpose and a commitment to work with every Member State,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
