South Africa is taking centre stage as leaders from across Southern Africa gather in Durban this week to map out the region’s industrial future. The week-long programme also serves as a key build-up to the 46th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit of Heads of State and Government. President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the keynote address alongside SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi and regional leaders. The event that will be held at the Durban International Convention Centre, it is the region’s biggest public-private platform focused on industrialisation, investment and economic growth. eThekwini Municipality says all operational and security plans are in place to ensure the successful hosting of delegates. This year’s theme focuses on growing sustainable industries through infrastructure, agriculture and mineral beneficiation. The mayor of the eThekwini Municipality, Cyril Xaba, says the city has put in all efforts to welcome and protect the delegates. “As a city we are happy to host an event of this magnitude that will be focusing on various topics leading to the main event on the 16th of August. Really, the city’s profile is receiving a boost again on the continent and in the world as a whole”.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will host Southern African leaders in Durban next month when South Africa assumes the chairship of the Southern African Development Community at the 46th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government. https://t.co/9rRnRNt9UX#GovZAUpdates pic.twitter.com/A8hfydENvp — @SAgovnews (@SAgovnews) July 26, 2026
Over the next five days, leaders will focus on boosting trade, attracting investment and creating jobs through industrialisation.