SADC and USA Hold Senior Officials‘ Dialogue in Lead Up to SADC Summit 2025
On 13 August 2025, the Southern Africa Development Countries (SADC) and the United States of America (USA) held a dialogue at the senior officials level in the lead up to the 45th SADC Summit (#SADC2025) in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
The US side was led by US State Department Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Melanie Higgins while #SADC side was headed Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration Angele N’Tumba. Other SADC countries sent ambassadors or permanent secretaries to the SADC-USA Dialogue 2025.
“The policy direction and operating model of the present US administration reflect a distinct shift in priorities. It is, therefore, important that through this dialogue, we establish practical ways to adapt to emerging realities and refocus our cooperation towards a more responsive and fruitful partnership that is founded on trust and mutual gain.”
SADC Deputy Executive Secretary Angeles N’Tumba
In her opening address, Secretary N’Tumba that the agenda of the meeting revolves around peace & security, health, economy, and the management of natural resources, including energy and minerals. On her part, Ambassador Higgins reiterated US willingness to strengthen collaboration with SAC despite ‘changing domestic policy.’
Up to now, the SADC-USA cooperation was guided by the Regional Development Objective Agreement which was signed in 2013. However, given the shifting global landscape, the need for an adapted and responsive framework is being felt. In that regard, a new Terms of Reference has been drafted under the collaboration between SADC and the US Embassy in Botswana taking the lead on this matter.
In particular, the issue of tariffs and AGOA was not officially discussed although it was certainly on everybody’s mind. On that front, some analysts observe that despite calls for a collective response, SADC member states displayed a lack of coordination and solidarity which is undermining their bargaining power.
The inaugural SADC-USA Forum marks a milestone in transatlantic relationship in the new era of multipolarity. The idea for such a high-level was hatched back in 2022 and in 2025, it has finally materialized.