Ramaphosa called on regional countries to use mineral wealth to create jobs

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the 46th SADC summit in Etkutwini, warning that regional integration is progressing too slowly. He called for the decisions made to lead to job creation, industrial development, and overall progress.

Ramaphosa noted that despite decades of efforts to deepen economic cooperation, intra-regional trade accounts for only about one-fifth of the bloc's total trade. Speaking at the 46th ordinary summit of SADC heads of state and government in Etkutwini on Monday, he reported that the region achieved economic growth of approximately 3.4% in 2025, but has not yet realized the full potential of its regional market.

The President emphasized that SADC countries continue to import goods that could be produced within the region, and they also export raw materials that could be processed locally. He added that services are procured from external suppliers, even though local people and businesses possess the necessary skills and potential to provide them.

More than 400 million people in the region expect economic integration to translate into jobs, industrial development, and improved quality of services. Ramaphosa stated that the population demands 'dividends of economic liberation,' including decent employment, production growth, reliable electricity supply, affordable food, quality healthcare, education, and opportunities for youth.

The President called for the accelerated implementation of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan for the period 2020–2030, focusing on infrastructure, energy, water supply, digital communication, agriculture, and trade. He pointed out that SADC needs roads, railways, and modern ports connecting countries and opening up opportunities for rural communities, border towns, and underserved areas.

Furthermore, Ramaphosa called for strengthening regional cooperation on energy and water security, including expanding power generation and transmission capacity through the Southern African Power Pool. He insisted that every citizen must have access to safe water and proper sanitation.

It was also noted that SADC should more actively utilize the African Continental Free Trade Area, which will give regional businesses access to a continental market of over 1.4 billion people. However, this requires eliminating non-tariff barriers, improving border management, harmonizing standards, and simplifying the movement of goods, services, capital, and labor across the region.

Ramaphosa stressed that the success of the regional integration agenda will depend on the actual implementation of the decisions made. He stated that resolutions must be implemented, properly costed, financed, assigned, and monitored. He specified that communiqués must turn into construction sites, factories, power lines, water systems, laboratories, enterprises, and jobs, and that regional integration must be tangible in the daily lives of ordinary people.

The President also warned that economic development cannot be separated from peace, security, and democratic stability. He stated that 'peace without development is fragile, and development without peace is impossible.' Ramaphosa called for continued investment in preventive diplomacy, mediation, and political dialogue, as well as strengthening regional institutions.

He added that greater regional integration will not diminish the sovereignty of individual countries but will strengthen their collective ability to improve citizens' lives. Ramaphosa concluded that the summit should be judged by the implemented decisions, not just by the declarations made, and it should bring SADC closer to the goals outlined in the SADC Vision 2050, aimed at creating a peaceful, inclusive, competitive, and prosperous region where no one is left behind.

Leaders of South African countries are gathering in Durban for the 46th regular SADC summit, where migration, regional security, youth unemployment, and economic transformation are on the agenda. South Africa is hosting the chairmanship of the SADC bloc.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will take up the post of chairman of the 16-member regional organization, leading SADC for the next year. Migration is expected to be one of the key issues, as Ramaphosa calls on the region to address the root causes driving people to leave their countries, rather than relying solely on coercive measures.

Ramaphosa stated before the summit: 'Migration is a continental and global phenomenon. The future of South Africa is inseparable from the future of the African continent.' He emphasized that migration pressure cannot be eliminated by force alone; this requires peace where there is conflict, economic growth where there is stagnation, and opportunities where there is poverty.

The President noted that South Africa will cooperate with neighboring states to develop sustainable solutions to migration problems. He added that through SADC, the African Union, and bilateral relations with other countries, they will seek ways to solve these difficulties.

These statements came against the backdrop of ongoing tension in South Africa regarding undocumented migration, as well as the expected anti-immigration march around the summit venue.

Ramaphosa also issued a warning against xenophobia and discrimination, stating that regional integration cannot be successful if citizens of neighboring countries are perceived as outsiders. He expressed deep concern and shame over the discrimination and mistreatment of citizens of other countries in recent months.

Discussions on migration are expected to be part of a broader conversation on how SADC can strengthen regional economies and create opportunities for its people. SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi reported that the Trilateral Organ for political, defense, and security cooperation remains a central element in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Magosi called the Trilateral Organ the 'cornerstone for development and prosperity,' stressing that peace and security are vital for achieving regional development goals. Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola urged SADC to accelerate efforts to combat youth unemployment and hunger, warning that the region's development ambitions must translate into tangible improvements in people's lives.

The summit's theme places economic transformation at the center of South Africa's chairmanship, formulated as: 'Sustainable, viable, and inclusive industrialization through infrastructure development, agricultural transformation, and critical minerals in pursuit of a just peace.' Discussions will include critical minerals, infrastructure, agriculture, and industrialization, as SADC countries strive to boost intra-regional trade and reduce reliance on raw material exports.

Ramaphosa insists that South Africa must move towards deeper processing of its natural resources and the creation of industries that generate jobs and economic value within the region. The summit will also review progress in achieving the SADC Vision 2050 and the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan, which define the framework for the bloc's long-term integration and development agenda.

Security is another pressing issue for leaders, especially against the backdrop of ongoing instability in parts of the region. The SADC Trilateral Organ held a meeting in Durban on Sunday before the main summit, where regional security and political events were discussed. Security around the summit venue was also enhanced, after which three people were arrested on Sunday for alleged attempted unauthorized access to the summit site.

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Roland Lamola announced that South Africa will focus primarily on developing regional trade, infrastructure, industrialization, and the processing of critical minerals, taking over the chairmanship of SADC for the 2026–2027 period.

Lamola spoke in Durban on Wednesday, when South Africa officially assumed the chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) at a Council of Ministers meeting. He emphasized that South Africa's priorities will be ensuring peace, security, and stability, accelerating industrialization, expanding regional trade, developing infrastructure, and strengthening social and human capital.

South Africa aims to boost regional trade

The Minister noted that South Africa's focus will be on transforming agriculture, processing critical minerals, increasing regional trade, and forming regional value chains. The SADC region holds nearly 30% of global proven critical mineral reserves, including about 50% of global cobalt reserves and 20% of graphite reserves.

Nevertheless, Lamola stressed the need for the region's wealth in minerals to contribute to economic and social progress, rather than continuing a model where resources benefit economies outside the region. He stated that changing this trend requires processing domestic resources, creating regional supply chains, and increasing trade between countries.

Currently, trade between SADC countries accounts for only about 20%, which Lamola believes is insufficient given the region's potential. He mentioned that the African Export-Import Bank assessed the untapped potential of intra-African trade at $84 billion in 2018, of which the SADC region accounted for $53 billion. Lamola assured that during his term, the goals of the Scucuce summit would be realized to achieve a 50% share of intra-regional trade and utilize critical minerals for local processing.

Infrastructure and jobs are key SADC tasks

Infrastructure development will also be part of the priorities as South Africa seeks to modernize and expand the systems connecting the region's countries. This includes ensuring reliable energy, efficient transport corridors, modern ports, integrated digital networks, and stable water supply systems. Lamola emphasized that without these foundations, regional production expansion is impossible.

He noted that production currently accounts for only 10% of GDP and cannot generate jobs on the scale required by the region. Furthermore, South Africa's agenda will include the development of social and human capital, especially considering Africa's young population. The average age in Africa is 19 years, and almost 60% of the population is under 25. Lamola predicts that by 2030, one of every four young people globally will come from Africa, so the economy and job creation must match population growth.

Priorities will also be based on gender equality, climate change resilience, and disaster risk management. Lamola insisted that these aspects must permeate all elements of the regional program, as development cannot be inclusive if it ignores gender issues, leaves youth behind, or fails to prepare communities for climate and other shocks.

Lamola calls on SADC states to support orderly migration

The issue of migration is also expected during South Africa's chairmanship. Lamola reported growing public discussions in South Africa regarding irregular migration, the integrity of state borders, access to economic opportunities, and pressure on communities and state institutions. Acknowledging citizen concerns, he rejected vigilantism and human rights violations, stating that solving issues related to irregular migration must be done within a legal and orderly approach.

He added that migration cannot be viewed solely as a security issue, as the movement of people across the region is also linked to economic opportunities and employment. Lamola cited the example of Durban, noting that the country's industrial development significantly benefited from a large labor pool from the region and beyond. The Minister urged SADC member states to sign a protocol on the free movement of people to ensure regular and orderly migration, expressing hope for a joint search for comprehensive solutions to the region's migration problems.

Peace, security, and stability will remain key tasks during South Africa's tenure as chairman. Lamola stressed that the security of one state is inextricably linked to the security and stability of the entire SADC community. He recalled the rich history of the regional bloc in collective response to threats to peace and security, asserting that regional solidarity remains the greatest strength in resolving emerging political and security challenges.

South Africa assumes the chairmanship amid great power competition, rising external shocks, climate disasters, the threat of pandemics, and the internal focus of developed economies. SADC must ensure that its regional development framework leads to an improved quality of life for its population. Lamola called for this moment to renew commitment to bridging the gap between ambitions stated in regional documents and the capacity of institutions to implement them. He also noted that South Africa recognizes its responsibility as the region's most industrialized economy to contribute to regional integration and common prosperity, approaching the chairmanship with humility, determination, and a willingness to work with all member states.