Windhoek, 17 August 2018
President Kagame today attended the 38th Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in Windhoek, Namibia where he delivered remarks in his capacity as the Chairperson of the African Union.
The Summit, which runs from 17-18 August, is held under the theme “Promoting Infrastructure Development and Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development” and focuses on sustainable growth through a conducive environment for industrialization processes.
In his address to SADC leaders, President Kagame highlighted that infrastructure development and free movement of persons are key to translating Africa’s aspirations into practical results.
“The long-term prosperity and security of Africa depend on creating the conditions and environment that enable our young people to achieve their full potential right here at home. We have the ability to do more for our countries individually, but even better, collectively. Today, more than ever, collaboration among African countries is not a choice. It is an imperative, in real terms. Our experience is that we are infinitely stronger when we face the world as a common front, united in our diversity, and yet respectful of the interests of each country, whether large or small,” President Kagame said.
At the Summit, President Hage Geingob of Namibia took over the SADC Chairmanship from President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa.
Leaders attending the Summit include Heads of State and Government from across the SADC region, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, as well as the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Dr Vera Songwe.
Formed in 1980, SADC aims to facilitate regional economic integration between Member States and within the continent. It has 16 Member States including Angola, Botswana, Comoros (since 2017), DRC, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, the Kingdom of eSwatini, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.