President Nandi-Ndaitwah Arrives in Durban for 46th SADC SummitDURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA
Her Excellency Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia, has arrived at the Durban International Convention Centre in Durban, South Africa, to participate in the 46th Ordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government.
The summit, being hosted and chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, brings together leaders from across the SADC region to deliberate on matters affecting regional development, economic integration, peace and security.
The 46th Ordinary 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.”
The theme places emphasis on strengthening the region’s capacity to industrialise while promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
Among the key issues expected to feature during the summit are regional industrialisation, infrastructure connectivity, agricultural transformation, critical minerals, regional value chains and intra-regional trade.
Leaders are also expected to consider developments linked to the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Peace and security will remain an important component of the discussions, with regional leaders expected to assess the political and security situation in Southern Africa and consider measures aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and stability.
Migration management, job creation and sustainable development are also among the broader regional priorities requiring coordinated responses from SADC member states.
The summit serves as the supreme policy-making body of SADC and provides strategic direction on regional cooperation, integration and development.
It also reviews progress in implementing decisions adopted at previous summits and considers the socio-economic and political performance of the region.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s participation provides Namibia with an opportunity to contribute to discussions on issues of regional importance while advancing the country’s interests within the broader SADC integration agenda.
The summit will also see the handover of the SADC chairpersonship to President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, following Zimbabwe’s tenure under President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The 46th Ordinary Summit is taking place at the Durban International Convention Centre on 17 August 2026, following a series of preparatory meetings involving senior officials and ministers from SADC member states.
The outcomes of the summit are expected to guide regional cooperation and policy priorities in the coming year, particularly in the areas of industrialisation, infrastructure development, economic integration, peace and security, and sustainable development.
