Food security among the main issues being discussed at SADC Summit

Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders are tackling issues of food security, peace and security, critical minerals and industrialisation at the bloc’s 46th summit.

The meeting is being attended by heads of state and government from across the SADC region.

His Excellency President @CyrilRamaphosa receives the SADC Chairship from His Excellency Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Outgoing Chairperson of SADC, during the 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government in Durban,… pic.twitter.com/yztEKCbKc4 — The Presidency (@PresidencyZA) August 17, 2026 Magwenya was speaking to SABC News on the sidelines of the summit in Durban.

“About five decisions have already been adopted.

The discussion is under way now on food security, as well as commitments that the subregions need to make with respect to addressing food insecurity in the region.

We have more decisions still to be discussed across areas such as peace and security, what to do with critical minerals, the issue of industrialisation that you are discussing as a key element of regional integration.

And so, the leaders are now grappling with the nuts and bolts, if you like, of the issues that are confronting SADC.” Meanwile, the South African government says despite having only 10 out of 16 presidents attending the 46th session of the SADC regional summit, the block’s annual meeting in eThekwini is a success.

A few countries are absent from the gathering.

Zambia is one of those not attending as it grapples to release the outcomes of its recently concluded elections while the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Tanzania are having state visits.