SADC, China Deepen Strategic Ties as Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to Regional Integration
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the People’s Republic of China reaffirmed their commitment to regional cooperation and integration following a high-level meeting between Ms. Angele Makombo N’Tumba, SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, and Ms. Tao Lili, the newly appointed Deputy Ambassador and Minister Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Botswana.
Held at the SADC Secretariat in Gaborone, the meeting served as both a courtesy call and a familiarisation engagement for Ms. Lili, who officially began her tour of duty to Botswana in April 2025.
Ms. Makombo N’Tumba extended warm congratulations to Ms. Lili and expressed confidence in her successful diplomatic mission. She praised the enduring partnership between SADC and China, rooted in strong diplomatic ties, development cooperation, and cultural exchanges.
“We deeply appreciate China’s unwavering support for our regional integration and development agenda, especially through contributions aligned with the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030,” Ms. N’Tumba said.
China provides an annual grant to the SADC Secretariat to support corporate planning and strategic initiatives, a gesture that has further strengthened the operational efficiency of the regional body.
Ms. Tao Lili expressed gratitude for the strong and growing cooperation between China and SADC, noting the regional bloc’s instrumental role in driving development across Southern Africa. She reaffirmed China’s support for SADC’s mission and pledged continued engagement through diplomatic and multilateral platforms.
The two leaders also reflected on the outcomes of the 2024 Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), where President Xi Jinping announced a landmark US$50 billion support package for Africa over the next three years. The package is aimed at bolstering infrastructure, trade, healthcare, and capacity building across the continent.
