ANTANANARIVO, MADAGASCAR – JULY 23, 2025. Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, will host the 45th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and its related meetings from August 3 to 18, 2025.
This year’s Summit will take place under the overarching theme: “Promoting Industrialization, Agricultural System Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC.” This ambitious theme underscores the commitment of SADC Member States to strengthening their economic and social development in the face of global challenges.
This Summit will mark a historic moment for Madagascar, with the official inauguration of His Excellency Mr. Andry Rajoelina, President of the Republic of Madagascar, as Chair of SADC for the 2025-2026 term, succeeding His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe. This is a strong recognition of the leading role Madagascar now plays in the region and a unique opportunity to influence the Community’s major political, economic, and social directions. This event also coincides with the celebration of Madagascar’s 20th anniversary of membership in the organization, highlighting the country’s commitment and continued contribution to regional development.
The Summit will bring together leaders of the 16 SADC Member States1, as well as senior political, economic, and institutional officials, to discuss regional strategic priorities: sustainable industrialization, resilience of agricultural systems to climate change, energy security, and enhanced regional integration.
This major diplomatic meeting reflects Madagascar’s ongoing commitment to regional unity, sustainable development, and South-South cooperation. It highlights the country’s leadership in building a stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient SADC.
The discussions and decisions emerging from this Summit will be essential to boosting sustainable growth, improving food security, and accelerating access to clean energy throughout the SADC region. Heads of State and Government will assess progress made, discuss future strategies, and strengthen regional cooperation to achieve these fundamental objectives.
The Summit’s opening and closing ceremonies will be broadcast live on August 17, 2025, on national television channels (TVM and RNM), official platforms of the Republic of Madagascar, and the SADC Secretariat, including the SADC Facebook page and YouTube channel.
The 45th Summit will be preceded by the following key meetings:
July 28 – August 2: SADC Industrialization Week
August 4: Meeting of Senior Officials and Experts on the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP)
August 6 – 11: Meeting of the SADC Standing Committee of Senior Officials
August 12 – 14: Meeting of the SADC Council of Ministers
August 13: SADC-United States Dialogue Forum
August 14: SADC Public Lecture at the University of Antananarivo
August 15: SADC Organ Troika Senior Officials Meeting on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation
August 15: SADC Organ Troika Ministerial Committee on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation
August 16: SADC Organ Troika Summit on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation
Madagascar is honored to host this important event and is preparing to provide an environment conducive to fruitful deliberations and significant progress for the future of SADC.
Media inquiries:
SADC Secretariat
Ms. Barbara Lopi – Communications and Public Relations Officer
Email: blopi@sadc.int;
Mr. Innocent Mbvundula – Communications Officer
Email: imbvundula@sadc.int;
Ms. Anethe Mtambanengwe – Communications Officer;
Email: amtambanengwe@sadc.int
Government of Madagascar
Mr. Fetra RAKOTONDRASOAVA – Spokesperson for the Organizing Committee
Email: communication-sadc@diplomatie.gov.mg,
Tel.: +261 34 40 884 43
Ms. Anjaniaina Olivia RAKOTONIRINA – SADC National Media Coordinator
Email: scom@diplomatie.gov.mg, maeactu1@gmail.com,
Tel.: +261 348806616
