Overview
- A virtual extraordinary summit on Friday confirmed South Africa as interim chair until the August 2026 ordinary summit, according to the final communique.
- Madagascar stepped down from the role after political developments limited its capacity to serve, with transitional leader Michael Randrianirina focusing on domestic stabilization.
- President Cyril Ramaphosa urged collective action to safeguard regional integration and industrialisation as he assumed the chair.
- SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi said the organisation is functioning seamlessly and noted South Africa, as deputy chair, is filling the remainder of Madagascar’s term.
- Outgoing chair Emmerson Mnangagwa underscored priorities of reliable power, food security, job creation and the energy transition, with South Africa set to host the August 2026 summit.