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

President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the 46th SADC Summit in eThekwini, warning that regional integration remains too slow and calling for decisions to translate into jobs, industries and development.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned that the SADC's regional integration is moving too slowly, with intra-regional trade accounting for only about one-fifth of the bloc's total trade despite decades of efforts to deepen economic cooperation.

Addressing the 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government in eThekwini on Monday, Ramaphosa said the region recorded economic growth of about 3.4% in 2025 but it had yet to unlock the full potential of its regional market.

“After decades of integration, we have not yet unlocked the full potential of our regional market,” Ramaphosa said.

He said SADC countries continued to import goods that could be produced within the region, while exporting raw materials that could be processed locally.

“We continue to procure services from elsewhere that our own people and businesses have the skills and capacity to provide,” he said.

Ramaphosa said the region's more than 400 million people were expecting the benefits of economic integration to translate into jobs, industries and better services.

“The people of our region are asking us to deliver the dividend of economic liberation,” he said.

He said people wanted decent jobs, growing industries, reliable electricity, affordable food, quality healthcare, education and opportunities for young people.

“They expect regional integration to improve their daily lives in visible, practical and meaningful ways,” Ramaphosa said.

The President called for faster implementation of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020–2030, with greater focus on regional infrastructure, energy, water, digital connectivity, agriculture and trade.

He said SADC needed roads, railways and modern ports that connected countries and opened opportunities for rural communities, border towns and underserved areas.

Ramaphosa also called for stronger regional cooperation on energy and water security, including expanded electricity generation and transmission capacity through the Southern African Power Pool.

“Every citizen must have access to safe water and adequate sanitation,” he said.