Mnangagwa and Boko Set to Visit SADC Headquarters in Botswana

On December 13, 2024, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, as the current Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and Botswana’s President Duma Gideon Boko will visit Gaborone.

Mnangagwa assumed the role of SADC Chairperson on August 17, 2024, during the 44th SADC Summit held in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The visit will see the two leaders acknowledging the SADC Secretariat’s work, particularly in promoting regional integration. They will also guide its programs moving forward.

As part of the visit’s agenda, the leaders will officially receive the newly completed SADC Headquarters building from Bongwe Investments. This marks an important milestone in the region’s collaborative efforts.

The building was developed through a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) arrangement, involving SADC, Bongwe Investments, and the Government of Botswana, which acted as the guarantor.

The event will also include a ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the SADC Standby Force Regional Logistics Depot (RLD) in Rasesa village. This facility will be located 40 km from Gaborone.

The SADC Standby Force Regional Logistics Depot will be essential for storing materials, equipment, and supplies for peacekeeping and humanitarian missions across the region.

The development of this depot is a significant part of SADC’s broader plan to strengthen its peace support capacity, which is critical for maintaining regional stability.

The SADC Chairperson is responsible for overseeing the governance structure of the regional organization. This includes setting policy direction and managing the functions of SADC.

Both Mnangagwa and Boko’s visit emphasizes their commitment to the region’s growth and peace, highlighting the importance of unity in driving forward regional goals.

This collaboration signals the continued development of the SADC region, ensuring that its leadership remains engaged in shaping the future of Southern Africa.