Southern Africa: Capitalise SADC Fund

SADC's Moment of Truth: Can Southern Africa Turn Unity Into Prosperity?

In Durban this week, Southern Africa is being reminded of something that is easy to forget when national politics dominates the headlines: the region's future is deeply interconnected. The 46th Ordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community, hosted by South Africa, brings together regional leaders under a theme focused on resilient and inclusive industrialisation, infrastructure, agriculture and critical minerals. President Cyril Ramaphosa has assumed the SADC chairship for the 2026/27 term, placing South Africa at the centre of an effort to turn regional cooperation into more tangible economic gains. But beneath the speeches about shared history and solidarity lies a much more practical question: can SADC finally turn regional integration from an aspiration into an everyday economic reality?

Southern Africa: Capitalise SADC Fund

President Mnangagwa celebrates as South African President Cyril Ramaphosa raises the gavel symbolising his assumption of the reins of Sadc at the 46th Sadc Ordinary Summit at the International Convention Centre in Durban, South Africa, yesterday. --Picture: Presidential Photographer Tawanda Mudimu Kudakwashe Mugari in DURBAN, South Africa