The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the People’s Republic of China have agreed to work more closely together after a high-level meeting in Gaborone, Botswana.
SADC Executive Secretary, Mr Elias M. Magosi, met with Chinese Ambassador to Botswana, Mr Fan Yong, during a courtesy visit. The two leaders discussed how to improve cooperation between SADC and China, and how to support development across Southern Africa.
China’s Support to SADC
One of the main topics discussed was the annual financial support that China gives to the SADC Secretariat. This money helps the organisation plan and carry out projects across the region.
Mr Magosi thanked China for its support and said the money makes it easier for SADC to run its programmes and reach its goals.
“We are grateful to China for this support. It helps us to plan better, work more efficiently, and deliver on our development plans,” said Mr Magosi.
He also said that SADC is focusing on trade, investment, roads, electricity, and other infrastructure to help improve the lives of people in the region.
China’s Commitment to the Region
Ambassador Yong said China is committed to working closely with SADC and helping the region grow.
“China is proud of our partnership with SADC. We are ready to continue supporting development and cooperation in Southern Africa,” he said.
He added that China wants to see strong and stable countries in the region, and that working together with SADC helps to achieve that.
Working with Africa and the World
The support from China also helps SADC link its work to bigger plans like the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. These global and continental plans focus on ending poverty, creating jobs, improving education, and building better infrastructure.
During the meeting, the two leaders said they want to work together on more projects, especially in areas like clean energy, transport, and digital technology.
Bigger Picture: China’s Work in Africa
This meeting is part of China’s wider engagement with African countries. Through the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), China works with many African governments to support development.
At the latest FOCAC summit in Beijing, China announced a US$50 billion support package for African countries over the next three years. The money will go toward projects in health, education, infrastructure, and clean energy.
Next Steps
SADC and China agreed to continue talks and explore formal agreements for joint projects. The SADC Secretariat is expected to consult with member states to identify priority areas for cooperation. More announcements are likely as both sides move forward with their shared development plans.
