South Africa has called for stronger regional integration, economic cooperation and industrialisation as Southern Africa marks SADC Day 2026…reports Africa Daily News Desk
South Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to regional integration, economic cooperation and shared prosperity as Southern Africa marks SADC Day 2026, with the commemoration coinciding with the 46th SADC Summit in eThekwini.
In a message marking the occasion, South Africa, which currently chairs the Southern African Development Community (SADC), extended greetings to people across the region and called for renewed efforts to strengthen unity and cooperation among member states.
The statement highlighted Southern Africa’s shared history, natural resources and interconnected economies, while stressing that the region’s future depends on collective action.
This year’s SADC Summit is being held in eThekwini, in KwaZulu-Natal, with the setting evoking the legacy of King Shaka kaSenzangakhona and his emphasis on leadership, strategic vision and collective strength.
The summit’s theme is “Resilient, Sustainable and Inclusive Industrialisation through Infrastructure Development, Agricultural and Critical Minerals Transformation in Pursuit of a Just World.”
The theme reflects the bloc’s focus on industrialisation, food security, infrastructure development, value addition and the sustainable use of the region’s resources.
The statement said regional integration remains essential to economic transformation, while stronger intra-regional trade could support industrial development, job creation and economic empowerment.
It called for greater efforts to strengthen regional value chains, reduce non-tariff barriers, improve trade facilitation and increase investment in productive sectors.
The region was also urged to accelerate beneficiation, support small and medium-sized enterprises and create opportunities for its growing youth population. The African Continental Free Trade Area was highlighted as an opportunity to strengthen SADC’s position as an integrated and competitive economic hub.
The message comes amid a global environment marked by geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, climate-related challenges and growing competition for strategic resources.
Against this backdrop, the statement stressed the importance of deeper political cohesion and economic cooperation among SADC members.
It also recognised the role of regional institutions and peace missions in maintaining stability, thanking the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, as well as personnel involved in SADC peace operations.
South Africa said SADC had made progress across several sectors over the years and pledged to continue working with member states to translate regional commitments into tangible improvements for citizens.
The regional agenda will be guided by SADC Vision 2050, the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020-2030 and the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap.
The statement stressed that implementation, coordination and measurable results should remain central to the bloc’s efforts, while calling for a stronger collective voice for Southern Africa in global affairs.
It also placed citizens at the centre of the regional integration agenda, saying the true measure of SADC’s progress would be reflected in people’s everyday lives.
As SADC Day 2026 is observed, South Africa called on people across the region to celebrate their shared bonds and renew their commitment to building a peaceful, integrated and prosperous Southern Africa.
