ZAMBIA CALLS FOR ENHANCED REGIONAL COOPERATION AT SADC COUNCIL OF MINISTERS MEETING

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Zambia, Mulambo Haimbe, has called for stronger regional cooperation and resilience among Member States during the meeting of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Council of Ministers taking place in Pretoria, South Africa.

The two-day meeting commenced today, 12 March 2026, bringing together Ministers responsible for foreign affairs and regional cooperation to discuss issues aimed at strengthening regional integration, development and economic resilience.

Speaking on the margins of the meeting, Mr. Haimbe stressed the need for stronger cooperation in strategic sectors such as energy and natural resources in order to help the region respond to global challenges.

“We must be able to withstand global shocks. Developments affecting petroleum supply in other parts of the world show the importance of closer cooperation within SADC. By working together, including with Member States that have energy resources, we can reduce reliance on external markets and strengthen regional self-sufficiency,” Mr. Haimbe said.

The meeting is chaired by Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) of the Republic of South Africa. 

Mr. Lamola called on Member States to deepen cooperation in areas such as industrialisation, agriculture and energy transition in order to improve livelihoods and expand economic opportunities across the region.

Also addressing the meeting, SADC Executive Secretary Elias Mpedi Magosi emphasised that peace and stability remain essential for sustainable development and economic growth in the region.

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 South Africa.

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