President Hakainde Hichilema participated in the Extraordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government virtually.
President Hichilema’s participation underscores Zambia’s resolve and commitment to supporting discussions and decisions that strengthen the SADC Secretariat, advance regional integration and promote peace, security and stability among Member States.
The Extraordinary Summit was chaired by SADC Chairperson and President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa.
In his opening remarks, President Ramaphosa said the strength of SADC rests not only on political commitments but on strong institutions with the leadership, capacity and resources to translate decisions into tangible improvements in people’s lives.
He said regional integration must be measured by the extent to which it creates jobs, attracts investment, reduces poverty and improves citizens’ livelihoods, while peace and stability remain indispensable foundations for development.
Meanwhile, the Summit has elected Lesotho as the new Chairperson of the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, taking over the leadership of the Organ charged with promoting peace and security in the region.
The Organ plays a central role in preventive diplomacy, mediation, conflict resolution and addressing security challenges, including the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the threat of terrorism and violent extremism in northern Mozambique.
The Summit also appointed and swore in Treasure Maphanga as Deputy Executive Secretary responsible for Regional Integration.
Ms Maphanga’s appointment fills a key treaty position expected to accelerate implementation of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP), drive cross-border infrastructure development, expand electricity generation and transmission, and deepen regional value chains and intra-regional trade.
President Ramaphosa congratulated both Lesotho and Ms Maphanga and urged the strengthened SADC institutions to work towards building a region where peace prevails and economic opportunities expand.
Eelier, Southern African Development Community (SADC) Executive Secretary, Elias Magosi said the Extraordinary Summit was convened to conclude two matters deferred from the Durban Summit in August this year.
The first is the election of the incoming Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, after two member states expressed interest in the position in Durban.
He said the Summit had referred the decision pending further consultations, and consultations have since been concluded with a common position for approval today.
Mr Magosi said the Organ remains indispensable in advancing peace, security, stability, democracy and good governance in the region, as well as in providing an enabling environment for accelerating regional integration and sustainable development.
“The second item is the appointment of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, following a recruitment process, he added
Mr Magosi said the Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration is a key pillar and driver of regional integration, overseeing progress on regional integration as guided by the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) and relevant protocols.
Meanwhile, Mr Magosi congratulated President Daniel Francisco Chapo of Mozambique for successfully hosting the inaugural International Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience in Africa in Maputo from 13th to 15th October, 2026, under the theme on strengthening governance and strategic investment for disaster resilience.
He said the conference called for accelerated implementation of disaster risk reduction commitments, strengthened partnerships and increased investment in resilience-building initiatives across Africa.
Mr Magosi also congratulated Dr Navanethem Pillay of South Africa on being awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her distinguished contributions to peace, justice, human rights and international law, describing it as a source of pride for South Africa, the SADC region and the international community.
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