Ronald Lamola outlines South Africa's SADC chairpersonship priorities
Minister Ronald Lamola says South Africa will use its SADC chairpersonship to strengthen regional trade and value chains, targeting an increase in intra-SADC trade from about 20% to 50%.
South Africa's International Relations and Co-operation Minister Ronald Lamola has outlined the priorities for the country's upcoming leadership of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) from 2026-2027. During a meeting in Durban, Lamola stated that South Africa aims to increase intra-SADC trade to 50% and ensure the region benefits from its rich mineral resources.
He emphasized the importance of peace, security, industrialization, infrastructure development, and social and human capital growth. South Africa, which holds nearly 30% of the world's critical mineral reserves, including 50% of global cobalt reserves and 20% of graphite reserves, must ensure these resources translate into economic and social development for the region rather than benefiting foreign economies.
The African Export-Import Bank estimates that intra-Africa trade currently stands at 20%, with South Africa's SADC region accounting for $53 billion of the potential $84 billion in untapped potential. Lamola highlighted that infrastructure development, including energy, transport corridors, ports, digital networks, and water systems, would be a priority to support regional manufacturing, which currently accounts for only 10% of South Africa's GDP.
The minister also stressed the need to focus on gender equality, climate resilience, disaster-risk management, and migration, calling for the SADC member states to sign a protocol on the free movement of people to facilitate orderly and lawful migration.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
