The SADC Executive Secretary, H.E. Mr. Elias Magosi, met with the delegation of the Africa Working Party of the Council of the European Union (COAFR) and representatives from various EU Member States, the European Commission, the Council Secretariat, and the EU Delegation in Botswana. The meeting took place on 9 April 2025 at the SADC Secretariat Headquarters in Gaborone, Botswana.
Leading the COAFR delegation was Ms. Yamina Guerfi, Chair of the Africa Working Party from the European External Action Service (EEAS). The SADC Executive Secretary was joined by Ms. Angèle Makombo N'tumba, Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, along with Directors and Senior Officers of the SADC Secretariat.
In his opening remarks, H.E. Magosi extended a warm welcome to the delegation and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to strengthen collaboration on shared priorities. He acknowledged the European Union’s support for the SADC Region in key areas such as peace and security, trade, and sustainable economic growth.
Ms. Guerfi highlighted that the visit sought to deepen understanding of challenges faced by Sub-Saharan Africa while exploring ways to enhance the Africa-EU partnership. She emphasised the crucial role of the Africa Working Party in managing EU external policy towards Sub-Saharan Africa, covering 46 countries, the African Union, and regional organizations like SADC.
The meeting focused on discussions and exchanges of information on shared interests aimed at reinforcing the partnership between the EU and the SADC Region. Both parties reiterated their shared commitment to advancing regional integration and tackling pressing development challenges.
Currently, the SADC-EU collaboration is implemented under the Global Gateway initiative through the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI-Global Europe). Since 2023, this partnership has included eight cooperation agreements, valued at EUR 163.9 million, under the EU’s 2021–2027 Multiannual Indicative Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa.
The cooperation package supports several critical areas, including peace and security, trade and transport facilitation, natural resource management, agri-food systems, institutional capacity building, and digital transformation in Southern Africa.
