The Southern African Development Community (SADC) will convene a high-level Retreat of Ministers of Foreign Affairs from May 22 to 24, 2026, at Skukuza in the Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga, South Africa, as the region seeks to strengthen its collective response to an evolving global geopolitical environment.
South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, will officially open the retreat in his capacity as Chairperson of the SADC Council of Ministers.
According to the SADC Secretariat, the gathering comes at a time when the international system is undergoing profound changes characterised by heightened competition among major powers, rapid technological advances, and shifting economic dynamics.
“The Retreat will provide a strategic platform for Ministers to assess the evolving global geopolitical landscape and to position the region to respond proactively to emerging challenges and opportunities,” the Secretariat said.
The Secretariat added that while global developments have introduced new uncertainties, they also present opportunities for SADC member states to strengthen resilience, deepen regional integration, and expand their collective influence in international affairs.
“Against this backdrop, the Retreat will enable Ministers to reflect on the implications of these changes and to chart a unified course that safeguards stability while advancing regional development,” the statement read.
The retreat will build on SADC’s long-term frameworks, including Vision 2050 and the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP 2020–2030), with discussions expected to focus on practical and forward-looking solutions.
“The Retreat will foster dialogue that is frank, solution-oriented, and forward-looking,” the Secretariat said. “By doing so, it will ensure that the region not only mitigates risks but also leverages emerging opportunities to accelerate industrialisation, enhance trade, and secure sustainable growth.”
Ministers are expected to deliberate on strategic thematic areas including infrastructure, transport and logistics, free movement of people, goods and services; industrialisation, value chains and trade; energy, oil and gas, and mineral resources; agriculture, supply chains, markets, and food security; and financing regional integration, investment, public debt management, and domestic revenue mobilisation.
SADC said the themes reflect the interconnected nature of contemporary geopolitical and economic changes facing the region and the wider world.
“Collectively, these themes reflect the multi-dimensional nature of contemporary geopolitical shifts and will allow Ministers to identify cross-cutting linkages and prioritise strategic interventions,” the Secretariat noted.
The regional bloc described the retreat as a critical moment for SADC as it seeks to reinforce unity and strengthen its role on the global stage.
“By embracing dialogue, unity, and foresight, Ministers of Foreign Affairs will chart a path that safeguards regional stability and unlocks new opportunities for growth and prosperity,” the statement added.
