Senior officials from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have been urged to confront growing regional challenges related to trade, food security and geopolitical pressures.
The call was made during the opening session of the Standing Committee of Senior Officials, held in Pretoria, where regional representatives gathered to discuss economic cooperation and policy alignment among SADC member states.
Call for Stronger Regional Integration
Tebogo Seokolo, Deputy Director-General for the African Branch at South Africa Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), said member states must address difficult realities facing the region’s economies.
Seokolo stressed that countries within the bloc need to strengthen regional cooperation and ensure that commitments made at the regional level are implemented within national policies.
According to him, SADC member states have a responsibility to translate regional agreements into practical action that benefits economies and citizens across the region.
Aligning National and Regional Development Plans
Seokolo also highlighted the importance of aligning national development strategies with broader regional and continental frameworks.
He said countries should ensure their national development plans are consistent with the regional development agenda of SADC and the wider goals of the African Union.
The region comprises 16 member states, and closer alignment of development policies could strengthen economic integration, boost trade and enhance food security across Southern Africa.
Growing Pressure on Regional Food Systems
SADC countries are facing increasing pressure on food systems due to climate change, supply chain disruptions and global geopolitical tensions.
Officials attending the meeting are expected to examine ways to strengthen regional cooperation in agriculture, trade facilitation and infrastructure development to improve food security and economic resilience.
Regional integration remains a key pillar of SADC’s long-term strategy to enhance trade, promote sustainable development and improve living standards across member states.