Ronald Lamola says South Africa will prioritise regional trade, infrastructure, industrialisation and critical-mineral beneficiation as it assumes the SADC chairpersonship for the 2026–2027 term.
International Relations and Co-operation Minister Ronald Lamola says South Africa will push to increase trade between SADC member states to 50% and ensure the region benefits from its critical-mineral wealth during its 2026–2027 leadership.
Lamola was speaking in Durban on Wednesday as South Africa formally accepted the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Chairpersonship at the Council of Ministers meeting.
He said South Africa's priorities would include peace, security and stability, accelerating industrialisation, expanding regional trade, developing infrastructure and strengthening social and human capital.
Lamola said South Africa would focus on agricultural transformation, critical-minerals beneficiation, increased regional trade and the development of regional value chains.
