17 Aug 2025

President, Advocate Duma Boko on August 17, delivered his maiden speech at the 45^th Ordinary Summit of Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

The summit represented a key opportunity for President Boko to establish his presence on the regional stage and advocate for Botswana’s interests within the SADC framework.

His participation is seen as a crucial step in strengthening diplomatic ties and contributing to the collaborative efforts aimed at fostering an integrated and prosperous Southern Africa.

A press release from the Office of the President says the summit themed: Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC, discussed political, security and socio-economic issues, including an update on the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020-2030.

Other key updates covered the phased withdrawal of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), the new SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre and the SADC Regional Development Fund.

At the summit, the President of Madagascar, Mr Andry Rajoelina took over the chairmanship from Zimbabwe President, Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The release also says the summit was preceded by the Meetings of the SADC Council of Ministers and the SADC Organ Troika Summit. President Boko returns on August 18. ENDS