Building Resilience: Is SADC Capable of Transformation?

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Southern Africa is caught in the shifting sands of geopolitics, regional instability, climate volatility, and sluggish economic growth. The efficacy and resilience of the regional bloc, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), are under unparalleled scrutiny.

The 45th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government, set for 17 August 2025 in Antananarivo, Madagascar, could be yet another ceremonial gathering. This would be a missed opportunity, as it is vital for the regional bloc to transition from rhetoric to practical action.

SADC has significant renewable energy resources—hydropower in Zambia and Mozambique, wind and solar in South Africa and Namibia—but still depends heavily on fossil fuels, which may hinder a smooth transition to renewables. The energy transition demands significant investment. SADC should assess regional grid integration and evaluate its effects on job gains and losses.

Source: Konstantinus, Abisai & Zuidgeest, Mark & Christodoulou, Anastasia & Raza, Zeeshan & Woxenius, Johan. (2019). Barriers and Enablers for Short Sea Shipping in the Southern African Development Community. Sustainability. 11. 10.3390/su11061532.