This month in history - Aug 2017

Africa news

SADC turns 25

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) came into being 25 years ago in Windhoek, Namibia, on 17 August 1992 – replacing its predecessor, the South African Development Coordination Conference.

The focus of SADC turned to the integration of economic development whereas the SADCC had been formed in 1980 to advance the cause of national political liberation in southern Africa and reduce dependence on apartheid-era South Africa.

SADC members are united in striving for sustainable and equitable economic growth and socio-economic development; the promotion of common political values, systems and other shared values; and the consolidation and maintenance of democracy, peace, security and stability in the region.

SADC currently has 15 member states: Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

This month South Africa takes over the chair of SADC and is host the 37the SADC Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government. Ways to work with the private sector to develop industry and regional value chains is one of the key topics on the agenda. (Source: www.sadc.int)