The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has approved an agreement establishing a regional Tourism UNIVISA, in a move aimed at easing travel, boosting tourism and deepening regional integration.
The decision was taken during the 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government, held on 17 August 2026 in Durban, South Africa, under the chairmanship of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The Summit called on Member States to sign the agreement, saying the UNIVISA would facilitate seamless travel across the region, increase visitor arrivals and investment, and contribute to economic development.
The regional bloc also endorsed the theme for its 46th Summit: “Resilient, Sustainable, and Inclusive Industrialisation through Infrastructure Development, Agricultural and Critical Minerals Transformation in Pursuit of a Just World.”
The theme places infrastructure, agriculture and critical minerals at the centre of SADC’s industrialisation agenda, with the bloc seeking to build a more competitive, climate-resilient and inclusive regional economy.
SADC Backs DRC Peace Efforts
The Summit reiterated its solidarity with the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), reaffirming SADC’s support for coordinated regional and international efforts to restore peace and security in the country.
The bloc said efforts should prioritise civilian protection, humanitarian and public health responses, inclusive dialogue and resilience against ongoing challenges.
SADC also called for continued support to the DRC in responding to the Ebola outbreak and commended Angola, South Africa, Zimbabwe, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other partners for providing financial and technical assistance.
Zimbabwe Wins UNSC Backing
The Summit congratulated Zimbabwe on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2027–2028.
SADC expressed confidence that Zimbabwe would use its position to advance multilateral cooperation and promote international peace and security while representing the interests of the region, Africa and the Global South.
The bloc also renewed its call for the removal of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, arguing that the measures continue to constrain the country’s economic potential.
Madagascar Urged to Pursue Dialogue
On Madagascar, SADC welcomed ongoing engagement facilitated by the SADC Panel of Elders, supported by the Mediation Reference Group and the SADC Secretariat.
The bloc reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Madagascar’s reform process, including inclusive governance, democratic institutions, accountability, human rights and citizen participation.
It urged stakeholders to maintain the relative calm prevailing in the country and use dialogue to address their grievances.
Critical Minerals and Industrialisation
The Summit received a mid-term review of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020–2030, which recommended focusing on a smaller number of high-impact priorities.
These include industrialisation, regional value chains, agro-processing, critical minerals, just energy transition, economic corridors, one-stop border posts and health financing.
SADC also urged Member States to deepen regional trade in agricultural products by removing non-tariff barriers, harmonising standards and improving cross-border logistics.
The bloc further called for greater preparedness against anticipated El Niño-induced climate shocks through early warning systems, drought preparedness and climate-smart agriculture.
Ramaphosa Takes Over SADC Chairmanship
The Summit elected President Ramaphosa as the Chairperson of SADC, with the President of Zambia designated as Incoming Chairperson.
King Mswati III of Eswatini was elected Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
The Summit also approved the appointment of former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi and former Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano to the SADC Panel of Elders, which supports mediation, conflict prevention and preventive diplomacy.
The bloc welcomed an invitation from Angola to attend an Extraordinary African Union Summit on Strengthening Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa, scheduled for Luanda from 29–30 August 2026.
The 47th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government will be held in Zambia.
