SADC Appoints South Africa as Interim Chair
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has appointed South Africa as its Interim Chair following Madagascar’s decision to relinquish the position due to recent political developments. This decision was made during an Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government, which took place virtually on November 7, 2025.
According to the communiqué issued after the meeting, Madagascar stepped down from the chairmanship after acknowledging its limited capacity to fulfill the responsibilities of the role amid ongoing domestic challenges. In line with SADC’s Treaty provisions, South Africa will now lead the regional bloc until August 2026.
The Secretariat has been tasked with engaging member states to identify a new incoming Chairperson by the end of November 2025.
Key Discussions and Resolutions
The Summit, attended by Heads of State and representatives from all member countries, also extended condolences to the families affected by recent protests in Madagascar and Tanzania, which resulted in loss of life and destruction of infrastructure. Leaders expressed deep regret over the unrest and called for stability in both nations.
SADC further congratulated the newly elected leaders of Malawi, Seychelles, and Tanzania—Presidents Arthur Peter Mutharika, Patrick Herminie, and Samia Suluhu Hassan, respectively—on their electoral victories held between September and October 2025.
The regional body agreed to continue implementing its current theme, “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC,” until August 2026.
Acknowledging Contributions
The Summit expressed gratitude to President Cyril Ramaphosa for convening and accepting to chair the Extraordinary meeting, and to Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa for offering to host select SADC meetings during the interim period.
Impact on Regional Stability
The appointment of South Africa as the interim chair is expected to bring a sense of continuity and stability to the SADC region. With a strong economic and political presence, South Africa is well-positioned to lead the organization through this transitional phase. The focus on industrialization, agricultural transformation, and energy transition aligns with broader regional goals of sustainable development and economic resilience.
As the SADC moves forward, it will be crucial to address the underlying issues that have led to political instability in some member states. The regional body must work collaboratively to ensure that all nations can benefit from the opportunities presented by economic integration and regional cooperation.
Future Steps
The next steps for SADC include identifying a permanent chairperson by the end of November 2025. This process will involve consultations with all member states to ensure that the chosen leader can effectively represent the interests of the entire region. The interim leadership under South Africa will play a key role in facilitating these discussions and maintaining the momentum of SADC’s initiatives.
In addition, SADC will continue to monitor the situation in Madagascar and Tanzania, providing support where necessary to restore stability and promote peaceful resolution of conflicts. The regional body remains committed to upholding democratic principles and fostering a secure environment for all its members.
Conclusion
The appointment of South Africa as the interim chair of SADC marks an important step in the organization’s efforts to maintain regional cohesion and advance shared objectives. As the region faces various challenges, the leadership of SADC will be critical in guiding member states toward a more prosperous and stable future. With continued collaboration and commitment, SADC can strengthen its role as a key player in the development of Southern Africa.