45th SADC Summit: Rajoelina Takes Over Leadership in Madagascar

The 45th Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit was held on Sunday, August 17, 2025, in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

Seven Heads of State attended the gathering, alongside representatives from the 16-member bloc. The summit marked the handover of leadership from Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa to Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina.

This year’s theme, “Industrialization, Transformation of the Agricultural System, and Energy Transition,” set the tone for discussions. Leaders pledged to prioritize industrial growth, modernize agriculture, and accelerate the region’s energy transition.

In his opening address, President Rajoelina called for unity and bold action:

Congo’s Role at the Summit

The Democratic Republic of Congo was represented by Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner and Deputy Prime Minister for Defense Guy Kabombo Mwadiamvita. The delegation raised concerns over insecurity in eastern DRC, highlighting Rwanda’s continued military involvement in North and South Kivu.

Kabombo also held bilateral meetings on the sidelines to push for stronger regional mediation efforts aimed at ending the “senseless war of aggression” destabilizing the sub-region.

Before the closing ceremony, President Mnangagwa formally handed the SADC gavel and pennant to President Rajoelina, who will serve a one-year term until August 2026.

Rajoelina emphasized the importance of his mandate:

In addition, H.E. Elias M. Magosi was reappointed as SADC Executive Secretary for a second four-year term. Leaders commended his stewardship of the regional integration agenda and pledged support for his continued leadership.