On October 28, 2025, a significant diplomatic encounter took place at the SADC Secretariat in Gaborone, Botswana. The esteemed Mrs. Serap Guler, a Minister of State in the Federal Foreign Office of the Republic of Germany, paid a courtesy call on the SADC Secretariat. She was warmly received by Ms. Angele Makombo N’tumba, the Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
This meeting marked a testament to the strong and enduring relationship between Germany and SADC. Ms. Makombo N’tumba expressed her gratitude for Germany's unwavering support as a development partner, highlighting several key initiatives. These include the Global Initiative on Disaster Risk Management/Resilience Initiative Africa, the promotion of sustainable aquatic foods, and technical assistance in preventing gender-based violence in Southern Africa. These efforts have been instrumental in fostering regional integration and development.
The SADC's Regional Integration Agenda, as outlined in the SADC Vision 2050 and the Regional Indicative Strategic Plan (RISDP) 2020-2030, forms the bedrock of this partnership. The agenda is centered around four main pillars: Industrial Development and Market Integration, Infrastructure Development in Support of Regional Integration, Social and Human Capital Development, and Crosscutting Issues encompassing Gender, Youth, Environment, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management.
Mrs. Guler, in response, affirmed the German Government's dedication to this long-standing partnership. She expressed appreciation for the opportunity to discuss shared regional priorities and areas of mutual interest with SADC. Both parties emphasized their commitment to the spirit of cooperation and the desire to strengthen their partnership, as outlined in the SADC-German Framework Agreement on Development Cooperation signed in November 2023.
This meeting underscored the importance of international collaboration in addressing regional challenges and fostering sustainable development in Southern Africa.
