SADC and China Reaffirm Strategic Partnership During Courtesy Visit by Chinese Ambassador to Botswana
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the People’s Republic of China have reaffirmed their longstanding strategic partnership following a courtesy visit by Chinese Ambassador to Botswana, His Excellency Mr. Fan Yong, to the SADC Secretariat.
The Ambassador was received by SADC Executive Secretary, His Excellency Mr. Elias M. Magosi, at the Secretariat headquarters in Gaborone. The high-level meeting served as a platform to review existing cooperation frameworks and exchange views on matters of mutual interest and regional development.
H.E. Magosi expressed appreciation for China’s continued support, particularly through the annual grant provided to the SADC Secretariat. He noted that this funding has been instrumental in enhancing the Secretariat’s capacity for corporate planning, policy implementation, and the execution of key initiatives under the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2030–2050.
“The annual grant from China plays a vital role in strengthening our operations and driving forward regional integration and development,” said Magosi. “We value this partnership and look forward to expanding our collaboration in areas such as trade, infrastructure, investment, and economic transformation.”
Ambassador Fan Yong reaffirmed China’s unwavering commitment to supporting regional integration in Southern Africa. He emphasized the strong foundation of diplomatic relations between SADC and China and reiterated Beijing’s readiness to continue providing both financial and technical assistance to support SADC’s strategic goals.
The Chinese grant also enables SADC to engage more effectively with continental and global partners, ensuring alignment with frameworks such as the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union Agenda 2063.
The meeting also highlighted broader cooperation mechanisms, including China’s support through the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). At the most recent FOCAC summit in Beijing, China pledged a US$50 billion support package for Africa over the next three years, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development and economic partnership across the continent.
Both SADC and China expressed a shared interest in formalizing additional areas of collaboration and continuing to build a resilient, mutually beneficial relationship that advances peace, prosperity, and inclusive development in the region.
