SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY (SADC)

On 1 April 1980, the leaders of the Southern African region decided to usher in a new

era of enhanced cooperation and to build a stronger and integrated economy in the

region through the formation of the Southern African Development Coordination

Conference (SADCC), the forerunner of the Southern African Development Community

(SADC).

The SADC vision is that of a common future, a future within a regional community

that will ensure economic well-being, improvement of the standards of living and

quality of life, freedom and social justice and peace and security for the peoples of

Southern Africa. This shared vision is anchored on the common values and principles

and the historical and cultural affinities that exist between the peoples of Southern

Africa.

The Member States are Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo,

Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland,

United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Angola	Botswana	DRC	Lesotho
Malawi	Mauritius	Mozambique	Namibia
South Africa	Swaziland	Tanzania	Zambia
Zimbabwe

"We, in SADC, constitute a diverse group of nations, ranging from least developed

countries, small island and land-locked states to countries with vast land masses

and resources and with considerable potential. SADC nations represent a growing

family with dynamic complementarities. It behoves us to bring

these complementarities to the fore with a view to making SADC not only a

united trading block ready to take on the opportunities and challenges presented

by the multilateral trading system but also a union of countries resolute in their

determination to forge ahead towards a brighter future."

"SADC belongs to all of us. Let us reflect on the consolidation of a vibrant and

dynamic community that our future generations will cherish and be proud of."

Hon. Paul Raymond Bérenger, G.C.S.K
Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius
and Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC)
April 2005