SADC MINISTERS BACK REGIONAL GROWTH AGENDA


 Ministers from across Southern Africa have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and economic integration following the conclusion of the SADC Council of Ministers Meeting held in Pretoria.

The two-day meeting, chaired by Honourable Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, reviewed progress on key regional programmes and considered measures aimed at accelerating industrialisation, strengthening agricultural transformation and advancing energy transition in the region.

Speaking after the meeting, Zambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Mulambo Haimbe SC, described the deliberations as constructive and forward-looking, noting that the region must continue advancing reforms aimed at promoting growth and long-term sustainability.

“Zambia as a market is about 20 million people, but within the SADC region we are speaking of a market of more than 300 million people. That collective strength provides a strong platform for trade, investment and economic growth,” Honourable Haimbe said.

The Council reviewed the implementation of previous SADC Summit and Council decisions, progress on the operationalisation of the SADC Regional Development Fund, disaster risk management, and the mid-term review of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP).

And speaking during the closing ceremony, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa has expressed gratitude to the ministers and heads of delegation for the constructive spirit that characterised the deliberations and reaffirmed the region’s shared commitment to regional cooperation.

“Our discussions have once again demonstrated the strength of our shared commitment to advancing regional cooperation and integration in the Southern African Development Community,” Minister Lamola said.

Mr. Haimbe is accompanied by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen; National Coordinator of the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), Norman Chipakupaku; Permanent Representative of Zambia to SADC and High Commissioner to Botswana, Pamela Chisanga; and Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Her Excellency Grace Mutembo.

This is according to a statement issued by Alexander Musokotwane, First Secretary - Press and Public Relations at the Zambia High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

ZAMBIA RECORDS HIGHER PASS RATES IN 2025 NATIONAL EXAMS; NEW CURRICULUM BEGINS

Image
  Zambia’s 2025 national examinations saw improved pass rates and higher female participation, the government announced today, with results released ahead of the January school reopening.   Minister of Education Douglas Munsaka Syakalima, MP, officially disclosed the outcomes of the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) and Junior Secondary School Leaving Examination (JSSLE).   A total of 538,824 candidates sat the 2025 PSLE, achieving a pass rate of 71.36%. Female participation was 52.76%, and absenteeism fell to 8.26%. For the JSSLE, 285,634 candidates were examined, resulting in a 16.36% increase in certificate awards over the previous year. Minister Syakalima credited this surge to the abolition of automatic progression in favor of competency-based learning.   The 2025 JSSLE was the final session under the old academic structure. The 79,277 candidates who did not qualify for Grade 10 will instead enter Form One under the new 2023 Competency-Based ...
Read more

FRED M’MEMBE TO STAND ON PEOPLE’S PACT IN 2026.

Image
  The People's Pact has today (December 31, 2025) unveiled Socialist Party President Dr. Fred M'membe as its presidential candidate ahead of the 2026 general elections. Speaking at a press Media briefing, Socialist Party Secretary General Dr. Cosmas Musumali has also unveiled five Vice Presidents which includes Green Party President Peter Sinkamba and Robert Sichinga and Movement for Change and Equity President Kaluba Simuyemba among others. Speaking after being unveiled by the People’s Pact Dr. Fred M'membe has emphasized on the unit in the opposition highlighting that the country has continued to face challenges under the UPND government. And Green Party President Peter Sinkamba has assured victory for the pact ahead of the 2026 General elections. By Evans Sinjela
Read more

EFF STAGES A PROTEST AT FRA HQ

Image
  The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has strongly condemned the lies and deception being peddled by the Hakainde Hichilema administration regarding the seven-month delayed payment of farmers who sold their maize to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA). EFF Leader Kasonde Mwenda says contrary to government claims, thousands of farmers across Zambia remain unpaid.  "Our party has verified this situation on the ground: farmers are sleeping outside banks, queuing in the rain, begging for their own money — money the government owes them" Mwenda lamented  He says instead of taking responsibility, the UPND government has chosen to lie to the nation. He said on Monday, January 12, the EFF staged a peaceful demonstration at the FRA Headquarters in Lusaka after confirming that FRA officials are misleading the public while farmers continue to suffer in every province of the country. He said what makes this scandal even more disturbing is that the government has already sold the maize coll...
Read more