MADAGASCAR ASSUMES KEY ROLE AS SADC SHAPES FUTURE OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Madagascar takes the lead as SADC gears up for a transformative regional summit.

Madagascar Leadership Sadc Regional development Integration.
Eric Ratsimbazafy
Eric Ratsimbazafy


Madagascar has assumed a crucial leadership role by taking the chairmanship of the SADC Standing Committee of Senior Officials, a move that signals the island nation’s growing influence in shaping regional priorities.

The handover ceremony took place on Tuesday in Antananarivo, where Eric Ratsimbazafy, permanent secretary in Madagascar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, succeeded Albert Chimbindi as head of the committee. This transition comes just days before the Council of Ministers convenes on 12 August to set the agenda for the 17 August SADC Heads of State and Government Summit.

Madagascar’s new leadership position places it at the heart of regional decision-making at a time when the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is sharpening its focus on industrialisation, food systems reform, and sustainable energy.

The upcoming summit to be held under the theme “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC” will reflect on progress under the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020–2030, which deepens integration through inclusive development, infrastructure growth, and industrial capacity building.

In his remarks, Ratsimbazafy emphasized Madagascar’s commitment towards driving the community’s shared goals, especially as the region confronts global economic headwinds and climate pressures. Outgoing chair Chimbindi also commended the collective progress made and urged member states to maintain momentum.

With Madagascar now at the helm of a critical preparatory body, expectations are high for the Antananarivo summit to deliver bold outcomes in advancing SADC’s transformation agenda.

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