Ramaphosa takes SADC helm, pledges to drive trade, industrialisation and regional integration

President Cyril Ramaphosa has set out South Africa’s priorities for its SADC chairpersonship, promising to deepen regional integration, advance industrialisation and strengthen regional trade while safeguarding peace, security and democracy.

Ramaphosa accepted the chairpersonship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) at the 46th Ordinary Summit, saying South Africa regarded the position as a responsibility entrusted to it by the region.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa, I accept the responsibility of assuming the Chairpersonship of the SADC.

He said South Africa would also work to strengthen regional value chains, expand intra-African trade and mobilise investment in infrastructure.

Ramaphosa said South Africa would work with other member states to advance the industrialisation agenda and place young people, women and entrepreneurs at the centre of the region’s economic transformation.