Eswatini takes centre stage at the 45th SADC Summit in Madagascar
The Eswatini delegation at the 45th Ordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government
By Siphesihle Dlamini
The recent 45th Ordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government, held in Antananarivo, Madagascar, marked a significant moment for the Eswatini government as it actively participated in discussions that could shape the future of the region.
The summit gathered leaders from various SADC member states to address pressing issues such as industrialisation, agricultural transformation, energy transition, and mechanisms for regional peace and security.
Eswatini’s delegation was led by Thabisile Mlangeni, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development.
The delegation was pivotal as it engaged with other member states to articulate Eswatini’s national development priorities while also contributing to broader regional goals.
This engagement underscores Eswatini’s commitment to fostering collaboration among SADC nations, particularly in areas that directly impact economic growth and sustainable development.
The summit’s agenda was rich with topics vital to the SADC region’s future.
* Industrialisation: Leaders discussed strategies to enhance industrialisation across member states, recognising its potential to drive economic growth and create jobs. The focus was on developing value chains and increasing local production to reduce dependency on imports.
* Agricultural Transformation: With food security being a critical concern, the summit emphasised the need for agricultural transformation. Leaders explored innovative approaches to improve agricultural productivity, enhance resilience to climate change, and ensure food security for the region’s populations.
* Energy Transition: The discussions also highlighted the importance of transitioning to sustainable energy sources. Member states acknowledged the necessity of diversifying energy portfolios to include renewable energy solutions, thereby addressing both energy security and environmental sustainability.
* Regional Peace and Security: Given the historical context of conflict and instability in parts of Southern Africa, the summit addressed regional peace and security mechanisms. Leaders underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to maintain peace and stability, which are essential for economic development.
The Eswatini delegation’s participation reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to regional cooperation.
The Ministry of Economic Planning and Development has articulated a vision focused on advancing economic growth, food security, and sustainable development within the framework of SADC.
