President Nandi-Ndaitwah Calls for Stronger SADC Cooperation and Value Chain Development
Namibia’s President, Her Excellency Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has urged the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat to accelerate the implementation of practical programmes that strengthen regional cooperation and advance value chain development across member states.
During a courtesy visit by the SADC Executive Secretary, His Excellency Mr Elias Mpedi Magosi, at State House in Windhoek, the President emphasised that deeper value chain integration has the potential to drive shared economic growth, promote innovation, and support sustainable development throughout the region.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah, inaugurated on 21 March 2025 as Namibia’s fifth and first female Head of State, reaffirmed her country’s unwavering commitment to SADC’s founding mission. She stressed that Namibia places the highest priority on peace, security, and economic integration, pillars she described as essential for building a stable and prosperous Southern Africa.
The courtesy visit forms part of the Executive Secretary’s continued engagement with SADC Heads of State to share his vision for strengthening the Secretariat’s work and to seek guidance on approaches that promote sustainable integration, peace, and security.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah thanked the Executive Secretary for briefing her on regional progress and reiterated the need for closer collaboration between member states and the Secretariat to achieve the organisation’s objectives.
Mr Magosi updated the President on several strategic priorities, including peace and security initiatives designed to safeguard regional stability and the operationalisation of the SADC Regional Development Fund (RDF). He described the RDF as a transformative financing mechanism aimed at supporting infrastructure, industrialisation, and investment projects across the region. He added that the Fund marks a shift toward African-owned development solutions, reducing dependence on external aid.
He also highlighted the importance of accelerating the ratification of outstanding legal instruments to support trade and investment, establishing one-stop border posts to improve cross-border movement, and addressing key barriers such as non-tariff measures, weak transport connectivity, and fragmented regulatory systems.
The Executive Secretary was accompanied by Dr Mike Masiye, Director of Policy Planning and Resource Mobilisation, and Ms Barbara Lopi, Head of Communications and Public Relations at the SADC Secretariat.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s call reflects Namibia’s resolve to champion regional integration that is inclusive, innovation-driven, and sustainable, ensuring that cooperation within SADC translates into meaningful opportunities and improved livelihoods for all citizens of the region.
