SADC Chairperson, President Tshisekedi, to visit Secretariat Headquarters in Botswana

Gaborone, Botswana - Mr. Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community, is set to visit the SADC Secretariat Headquarters in Gaborone, Botswana, on May 10th, 2023, writes Winston Mwale.

The visit is part of his state visit to Botswana, and it is customary for SADC Chairpersons to visit the Secretariat during their tenure.

According to the SADC Secretariat, the visit will be an opportunity for the Chairperson to be briefed on the progress of SADC regional integration, implementation of SADC Programmes, and regional priorities as outlined in the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RIDSP) 2020–2030 and Vision 2050. Additionally, the chairperson will engage and interact with the SADC Secretariat staff.

The visit comes after the 42nd SADC Summit held in Kinshasa, DRC, in August 2022, where the 2022-2023 SADC Theme of "Promoting industrialization through, agro-processing, mineral beneficiation, and regional value chains for inclusive and resilient economic growth" was adopted under President Tshisekedi's leadership. The theme emphasizes the need for improved productive capacities of industries to develop regional value chains and create more job opportunities for SADC citizens.

In anticipation of the visit, SADC Executive Secretary, His Excellency Mr. Elias M. Magosi said, "We are delighted to welcome President Tshisekedi to the SADC Secretariat Headquarters. His visit will further strengthen the cooperation and partnership between SADC and the DRC, as well as provide guidance to the Secretariat in implementing SADC programmes."

During his state visit, President Tshisekedi will also have bilateral meetings with His Excellency Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, the President of the Republic of Botswana.

The SADC Chairperson oversees the highest level of the governance structure of SADC, providing policy direction and controlling the functions of the organization.