Gaborone, April 3 – The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and China are embarking on a renewed era of cooperation to bolster regional development in the face of shifting geo-political landscapes. This commitment was underscored during a meeting between SADC Executive Secretary Elias M. Magosi and Chinese Ambassador to Botswana, Fan Yong, on March 31, 2026, in Gaborone. Ambassador Fan Yong introduced four global initiatives launched by President Xi Jinping, which focus on development, security, civilization, and governance, emphasizing China’s dedication to international collaboration. These initiatives aim to promote sustainable security, respect for cultural diversity, and uphold sovereign equality. In response, Executive Secretary Magosi acknowledged the importance of this partnership, especially considering current global dynamics, and expressed gratitude for China’s ongoing support, including its annual financial contribution to the SADC Secretariat. Both parties agreed to enhance their collaboration in trade, investment, and infrastructure, utilizing forums like the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) to further their shared goals.


