SADC, Portugal Deepen Cooperation to Drive Regional Integration
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening cooperation with Portugal following high-level talks aimed at advancing regional integration and development.
SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, Angéle Makombo N’Tumba, held a courtesy meeting with Portugal’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Ana Isabel Xavier, in Gaborone.
The meeting focused on areas of mutual interest and explored opportunities to strengthen collaboration in support of regional integration across Southern Africa.
During the engagement, Ms N’Tumba congratulated Ms Xavier on her appointment in June 2025, as well as Carlos António Rico da Costa Neves on his recent appointment as Portugal’s Ambassador to Botswana.
She reiterated the SADC Secretariat’s commitment to working closely with Portugal to enhance cooperation and support regional development efforts.
Ms Xavier welcomed the continued engagement, expressing Portugal’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with SADC. She noted that Portugal’s international cooperation is guided by its Development Cooperation Strategy 2030, implemented through the Camões Institute, which promotes language, culture and international cooperation.
SADC and Portugal largely collaborate through the European Union framework, with Portugal having been a member since 1986. Current support to the region is channelled through the NDICI – Global Europe funding instrument, under the 2021–2027 Multiannual Indicative Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa.
Through this framework, SADC has mobilised €195.9 million to support key regional programmes and priorities, contributing to economic integration and development across member states.
The SADC Secretariat reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with Portugal and the European Union as part of efforts to build a more integrated and prosperous Southern African region.
