SADC integration is too slow, and trade is lagging, Ramaphosa says at SADC Summit

President Cyril Ramaphosa has cautioned that the Southern African Development Community's (SADC) regional integration is progressing too slowly, with intra-regional trade representing only around one-fifth of the bloc's overall trade, despite years of efforts to deepen economic cooperation. Speaking at the 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government in eThekwini, Ramaphosa highlighted that the region achieved a growth rate of approximately 3.4% in 2025, yet has yet to realize the full potential of its regional market.

He pointed out that SADC nations continue to import goods that could be manufactured within the region, while exporting raw materials that could be processed locally. Additionally, they procure services from outside the region that their own people and businesses possess the skills and capacity to provide.

Ramaphosa emphasized that the region's over 400 million inhabitants are anticipating that the benefits of integration would manifest as job creation, industrial development, and enhanced services. He stated that the people of the region are demanding the realization of the dividends of economic liberation, including decent employment, expanding industries, stable electricity, affordable food, quality healthcare, education, and opportunities for the younger generation.

They expect regional integration to improve their daily lives in tangible, practical, and meaningful ways.

The President advocated for the expeditious implementation of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020-2030, with a stronger emphasis on regional infrastructure, energy, water, digital connectivity, agriculture, and trade. He stressed the need for SADC to develop roads, railways, and modern ports that link countries and open opportunities for rural communities, border towns, and underserved areas.

Ramaphosa also called for enhanced regional cooperation on energy and water security, including increased electricity generation and transmission capacity through the Southern African Power Pool. He noted that every citizen should have access to safe water and adequate sanitation. He suggested that SADC should better utilize the African Continental Free Trade Area to provide regional businesses access to a continental market of over 1.4 billion people.

However, he emphasized the necessity for countries to eliminate non-tariff barriers, improve border management, harmonize standards, and facilitate the movement of goods, services, capital, and skills across the region.

Ramaphosa stressed that the effectiveness of the regional integration agenda hinges on the implementation of decisions. He stressed that decisions must be carefully planned, funded, assigned, and monitored. He emphasized that decisions should translate into construction sites, factories, power lines, water systems, laboratories, businesses, and jobs.

The President insisted that regional integration must be evident in the everyday lives of ordinary citizens. He reiterated that regional integration should be perceivable and felt in the daily lives of the people.

Ramaphosa cautioned that economic development cannot be detached from peace, security, and democratic stability. He stressed that peace without development is precarious, and development without peace is unattainable. He called for sustained investment in preventive diplomacy, mediation, and political dialogue, alongside the strengthening of regional institutions.

He clarified that greater regional integration would not diminish the sovereignty of individual nations but would augment their collective ability to enhance the well-being of their citizens. He reiterated that the summit should be assessed based on the decisions implemented rather than merely the declarations adopted. He concluded by urging that the summit should contribute to moving SADC closer to the objectives outlined in SADC Vision 2050, aiming to establish a peaceful, inclusive, competitive, and prosperous region where no country or person is left behind.