South Africa has assumed the Interim Chairship of SADC, offering continuity and a strong policy anchor for the region at a pivotal moment.
Our leadership will drive a shared agenda of industrialisation, modernised agriculture, and an accelerated energy transition—key priorities that strengthen the region’s competitiveness and investment readiness. The appointment underscores South Africa’s role as a stabilising force and economic engine in Southern Africa.
South Africa Appointed Interim Chairperson of SADC at the Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State.
- Cabinet was updated on the outcome of the Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government held on 7 November 2025 and the appointment of South Africa as the interim Chairperson of SADC until August 2026 at the Summit.
- South Africa’s Interim Chairship of SADC until August 2026 and will continue with the Madagascar agenda as adopted by SADC of “Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC”.
- South Africa becomes interim Chairperson following the withdrawal of Madagascar from the Chairship to focus on the stabilisation of that country following recent civil society protests.
- SADC congratulated His Excellency Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi; His Excellency Dr. Patrick Herminie, President of the Republic of Seychelles; and Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, on their recently elections in their countries.
- SADC extended its sincere condolences to the families who lost loved ones during the protests that occurred in the Republic of Madagascar in September and, more recently, in the United Republic of Tanzania.
