SADC Heads of State meet to review the Strategic Development Plan 2030
ANTANANARIVO: THE 45th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has begun today, August 4, 2025, in Antananarivo, Madagascar, with a Senior Officials’ Meeting to review the implementation of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2030 (RISDP 2030).
Tanzania is participating in the crucial meeting for regional development, with its delegation led by Talha Waziri, Director of Regional Affairs at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.
Giving his opening remarks, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Zimbabwe, Ambassador Albert Chimbindi, said that the goal of the meeting is to evaluate the progress made in implementing RISDP, identify challenges hindering the process, and explore collective solutions.
Elaborating, the ambassador said that despite reports showing encouraging progress, more joint efforts among member states are needed to fast-track the implementation of the plan, which is nearing its completion deadline.
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“SADC member states must intensify joint efforts to accelerate the implementation of infrastructure projects and boost intra-regional trade. While data shows growth, the level remains unsatisfactory,” he said.
On her part, SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, Angeles N’Tumba, stated the need for sustainable funding strategies to support the implementation of the plan.
Moreover, she said there is a need to learn how other regional communities mobilize funds to implement their development plans, while citing ECOWAS as an example of a regional bloc with a strong and sustainable strategy for mobilizing resources to support its projects.
The meeting is expected to conclude with the SADC Heads of State Summit set to begin on August 17, 2025, where Tanzania will actively participate in all levels of discussions.
