SADC and US Launch Inaugural Senior Officials Dialogue to Boost Strategic Partnership
Senior Officials from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the United States Government have convened for the first-ever SADC–USA Senior Officials Dialogue Forum, held on 13 August 2025 in Antananarivo. The meeting marks a significant milestone in strengthening cooperation and strategic engagement between the two long-standing partners.
Speaking on behalf of the SADC Executive Secretary, Ms Angèle Makombo N’Tumba, the Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, emphasised that the Forum was the outcome of sustained engagement since February 2022.
She said the platform offered an important opportunity to enhance ties with the U.S., focusing on shared priorities such as peace and security, economic development, trade, investment, and sustainable development.
Ms Makombo N’Tumba reaffirmed that SADC’s integration agenda is guided by the SADC Vision 2050 and the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030, which place emphasis on peace and security, industrialisation, infrastructure, and social and human development.
She urged participants to explore new avenues for cooperation in these areas, while acknowledging the need to adapt to evolving global dynamics and shifts in U.S. policy priorities.
“It is essential that we establish practical approaches to adapt to emerging realities and refocus our cooperation towards a more responsive and mutually beneficial partnership, grounded in trust and shared values,” she said.
Welcoming the U.S. delegation, Mr Eric Ratsimbazafy, Permanent Secretary in Madagascar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chairperson of the SADC Standing Committee of Senior Officials, commended the U.S. for its commitment to the initiative.
He described the gathering as “a political milestone and a historic moment in our partnership,” noting that the Forum would serve as a platform for open and constructive dialogue.
