The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat on 26 August 2026 hosted a farewell ceremony in honour of the Outgoing Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Botswana and SADC, Her Excellency Ms Petra Pereyra, as she concludes her four years of distinguished service in Botswana and the SADC region.
In remarks delivered during the event, SADC Executive Secretary, His Excellency Mr Elias M. Magosi, paid tribute to Ambassador Pereyra's leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to advancing the longstanding partnership between SADC and the European Union.
H.E. Magosi commended Ambassador Pereyra for championing regional integration and development throughout her tenure, noting that cooperation between SADC and the EU had grown significantly in depth, scope, and impact. He highlighted the European Union's continued support in strategic areas including economic integration, peace and security, trade facilitation, infrastructure development, climate resilience, and sustainable development across the region.
Among the major achievements recorded during her tenure was the mobilisation of €196 million under the 2021-2027 Multiannual Indicative Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa, representing a significant increase from the €150 million secured under the previous European Development Fund programme. The resources have supported various regional programmes aimed at accelerating integration, economic growth, and sustainable development.
Mr Magosi further praised Ambassador Pereyra's constructive engagement in SADC-EU dialogue processes and her commitment to ensuring that support from international cooperating partners remained aligned with SADC's development priorities.
Reaffirming the strength of the relationship between the two institutions, the Executive Secretary pledged that SADC would continue to nurture and strengthen its partnership with the European Union.
"The European Union remains one of SADC's most valued and trusted strategic partners," said Mr Magosi. "As Ambassador Pereyra departs, SADC remains committed to deepening this cooperation and working closely with her successor to advance our shared goals of regional integration, peace, prosperity, and sustainable development."
In her farewell remarks, Her Excellency Ambassador Pereyra reflected on the strong partnership forged between the European Union, the SADC Secretariat, and EU Member States, emphasising the shared commitment to regional integration, peace, stability, and sustainable development that has defined their collaboration.
"Together with both our teams and our Member States, we have realised many things," she said. "At the regional level, our collaboration with the SADC Secretariat reflects a shared belief in the power of regional integration, boosting peace, stability and shared prosperity in our respective continents."
The outgoing Ambassador highlighted the impact of the European Union's Global Gateway Strategy, which has enabled investments in critical sectors across Southern Africa. She noted that the EU has been supporting sustainable infrastructure development, the green energy transition, secure digital transformation initiatives, and inclusive economic growth aimed at improving livelihoods and creating opportunities throughout the region.
According to Ambassador Pereyra, the EU and its partners have established an active cooperation portfolio valued at more than €190 million, supporting several flagship programmes that are generating significant and lasting impact.
H.E. Ambassador Pereyra reaffirmed the European Union's commitment to maintaining and expanding its partnership with Southern Africa. "As the EU, our mission remains clear: to continue building bridges between continents, within our regions and among our people," she said adding that the EU is committed to strengthening SADC-EU partnerships in Southern Africa for today and in the years to come.
Her Excellency Ms Petra Pereyra will be succeeded by Her Excellency Belen Calvo Uyarra who will arrive in Botswana on 1st September 2026.
