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Zimbabwe is set to host an Extraordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government in Harare from November 16 to 20. Key topics on the agenda include recent elections in Mozambique and Botswana, as well as Namibia’s upcoming elections scheduled for December.

The announcement was made by Information Minister Dr. Jenfan Muswere during a post-Cabinet briefing, where he highlighted that preparations for the summit are nearly complete. Vice President Dr. Constantino Chiwenga presented the planning updates, emphasizing that the summit would address significant regional issues.

“The nation is informed that an Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government is scheduled to be held in Harare… to address emerging issues of regional significance,” Dr. Muswere stated. He noted that the summit would be briefed on political developments in the region, focusing on recent and upcoming elections.

Sub-committees have commenced preliminary meetings, leveraging protocols established during the 44th SADC Summit to ensure smooth operations. “The Sub-Committees will ride on the already established protocols… to ensure the seamless convening of the Extraordinary Summit,” Muswere added.

Beyond election discussions, the summit will review the recently approved Memorandum of Agreement among SADC states on the establishment of the SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE). The initiative aims to advance the region’s access to sustainable energy by 2030, as Zimbabwe continues to pursue clean energy solutions.

Additionally, the Cabinet approved Zimbabwe’s accession to the 2025 amendment of the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) protocol, which facilitates affordable access to essential medicines for countries reliant on foreign supplies. Dr. Muswere explained that TRIPS amendments would support public health by ensuring permanent legal pathways for affordable drug access.

The SADC summit is expected to attract leaders and stakeholders from across the region, underlining Zimbabwe’s role in fostering regional cooperation on political and economic issues.