By Francis Chipalo
Zambia has reaffirmed strong support for regional integration and cooperation within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) through participation at the launch of South Africa’s SADC National Committee (SNC).
Representing Zambia, Her Excellency, Grace Mutembo, Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa, joined regional partners at the event hosted by South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
Zambia’s attendance signalled the country’s commitment to strengthening mechanisms that ensure effective implementation of SADC decisions across member states.
Mutembo described the launch as timely, noting that it comes as South Africa assumes the interim Chair of SADC.
She emphasized that Zambia views enhanced coordination at national level as essential for advancing shared regional priorities, including economic development, peace and security, and alignment with SADC Vision 2050.
The launch, officiated by South Africa’s Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Tandi Moraka, marked the formal establishment of the SNC – the national platform mandated under Article 16A of the SADC Treaty to coordinate South Africa’s implementation of SADC programmes.
Speaking at the same event, Mike Masire, Director of Policy, Planning and Resource Mobilization at the SADC Secretariat, welcomed the initiative, adding that the SNC model strengthens coherence between regional strategies and national development agendas.
The gathering brought together members of the diplomatic corps, civil society, academia, and senior government officials, reflecting strong regional commitment to improving coordinated development efforts.
Zambia’s participation underscored the nation’s ongoing role in supporting SADC-led initiatives aimed at deepening regional integration and accelerating sustainable development.
This is contained in a statement made available by Alexander Musokotwane, First Secretary – Press and Public Relations at the Zambian High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa.