Southern African leaders are meeting in Durban on Monday for the 46th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government, with the state of the region, food security, development financing and global geopolitical developments among the key issues on the agenda.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is hosting and chairing the summit at the Durban International Convention Centre.
The summit is being held under the theme “Resilient, sustainable and inclusive industrialisation through Infrastructure Development, Agricultural and Critical Minerals Transformation in Pursuit of a Just World.”
According to the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the summit will focus on several issues aimed at accelerating regional integration and development.
Here are six key issues leaders will consider.
1. The state of the SADC region
SADC leaders will assess the overall state of the region, including global, continental and regional economic trends.
They will also consider the socio-economic and political performance of SADC member states in relation to the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030 and SADC Vision 2050.
The discussions are expected to consider how regional developments are affecting SADC’s efforts to achieve economic growth, integration and sustainable development.
2. Progress on previous SADC decisions
Leaders will review progress in implementing decisions adopted at previous SADC Summits.
This is an important part of the meeting because the bloc has adopted numerous commitments over the years covering economic integration, infrastructure, agriculture, peace and security and regional development.
The review will allow leaders to assess what has been implemented and where further action is required.
3. Progress since the 45th SADC Summit
The summit will also assess progress made since the 45th SADC Summit, which was held in Antananarivo, Madagascar, in August 2025.
That summit was held under the theme “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC.”
The 46th Summit will therefore provide an opportunity for leaders to examine progress on those commitments and determine what further measures are needed.
4. SADC Regional Development Fund
Another key issue is the operationalisation of the SADC Regional Development Fund.
The fund is intended to finance and support regional development projects and programmes.
Its operationalisation could provide an important mechanism for supporting projects that strengthen regional integration and economic development.
For countries across Southern Africa, access to regional development financing could be particularly important for infrastructure and other projects that require cooperation between member states.
5. Food security and disaster preparedness
Food and nutrition security will also be high on the agenda.
SADC leaders will consider the state of regional food and nutrition security, as well as disaster preparedness and response.
This comes as Southern African countries continue to deal with the effects of climate-related disasters, including droughts and floods.
Leaders will also consider measures to strengthen the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC) and improve the region’s ability to respond to emergencies.
6. Impact of global geopolitical developments
The final issue listed by SADC is the impact of global geopolitical developments on the region.
International conflicts, changes in global trade, commodity markets and wider geopolitical tensions can have consequences for Southern African economies.
SADC leaders will therefore consider how these developments are affecting the region and what measures may be required to strengthen its resilience.
What is at stake for Southern Africa?
The Durban summit comes as SADC seeks to advance regional integration while dealing with economic, political, climate and geopolitical challenges.
The summit’s theme places particular emphasis on infrastructure, agriculture and critical minerals as drivers of industrialisation.
SADC says the focus is on building a region that is industrially competitive, climate resilient and socially inclusive, with the ultimate goal of creating a more prosperous future for its citizens.
