Zambia’s top diplomat for international relations has called on the country’s mission staff in South Africa to prioritise economic diplomacy as the region gears up for high-level Southern African Development Community (SADC) deliberations.
Ms. Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen, Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, addressed staff at the Zambian High Commission in Pretoria. The session was led by Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Her Excellency Ms. Grace Mutembo.
Speaking amid ongoing meetings of SADC Senior Officials, Ms. Gundersen stressed that robust economic diplomacy remains essential to advancing Zambia’s national interests within the 16-member bloc. Her visit coincides with preparations for the SADC Council of Ministers meeting, scheduled for 12-13 March 2026 in Pretoria.
The Senior Officials’ Standing Committee, which convened on 7-8 March, is reviewing progress on SADC programmes and projects. Discussions centre on priorities to deepen regional integration, with emphasis on industrialisation, agricultural transformation, and energy transition.
Officials are examining implementation of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan, annual corporate plans, and budgets to support sustainable growth and resilience across southern Africa. The engagements underscore Zambia’s commitment to active participation in SADC processes, ensuring national priorities align with collective efforts to build a more integrated and prosperous region. As the Council of Ministers approaches, diplomats are expected to carry forward these strategic imperatives in upcoming negotiations.
