The Southern African Development Community (SADC) will convene its 45th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government on 17 August 2025 at the Ivato Conference Center in Antananarivo, Republic of Madagascar. This marks a historic moment for Madagascar, which became a Member State of SADC in August 2005.
Hosted under the theme, "Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC," the Summit will focus on accelerating regional integration through key pillars: strengthening industrial capacity and regional value chains, modernising agriculture, and promoting an inclusive energy transition, all aimed at building a resilient, sustainable, and cohesive SADC region.
During the Summit, His Excellency Mr. Andry Rajoelina, President of the Republic of Madagascar, will officially assume the SADC Chairpersonship, succeeding His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
The Summit will review progress on the implementation of the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030, consider the report from the Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, and review achievements under the 44th Summit theme: "Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustained Economic Growth and Development towards an Industrialised SADC."
As the supreme policy-making body of SADC, the Summit sets strategic priorities for regional cooperation, integration, and development. The Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Summit will be broadcast live on 17 August 2025 on the official platforms of the Republic of Madagascar and the SADC Secretariat, including the SADC Facebook page and YouTube channel.