Minister of Trade and Industry Vitumbiko Mumba will lead Malawi’s delegation to the 45th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit of Heads of State and Government, scheduled for August 17, 2025, in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Public Relations Officer, Charles Nkhalamba, said that Mumba will represent President Lazarus Chakwera at the summit.
Preparatory meetings are already underway, with Malawi participating at all levels. Dr. Mwayiwawo Polepole, Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is heading the Senior Officials’ meetings, while Foreign Affairs Minister Nancy Tembo is leading the Council of Ministers sessions.
The summit will focus on deepening regional integration, strengthening peace and security, and fostering inclusive economic growth. SADC Executive Secretary Elias Mpedi Magosi has urged member states to reduce dependence on external aid and boost intra-regional trade and investment.
Other discussions will cover initiatives such as the development of a Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Competitiveness Strategy and the creation of pooled procurement services for pharmaceuticals and medical supplies.
Held under the theme “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation and Energy,” the 45th SADC Summit will provide leaders with a platform to chart the future of regional cooperation. Malawi has been a SADC member since its formation in 1980, initially under the Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC).
