The ceremony, held this afternoon, saw President Mnangagwa receiving the state-of-the-art facility on behalf of the region’s Heads of State and Government.
The SADC Headquarters, located in Botswana’s capital, Gaborone, had been under a public-private-partnership (PPP) arrangement prior to its transfer. The agreement involved SADC, Bongwe Investments (Proprietary) Limited as the private entity, and the Botswana government, which acted as a guarantor. This innovative partnership was praised for its role in delivering the project successfully.
Speaking during the handover, President Mnangagwa highlighted the symbolic and practical significance of the headquarters, describing it as a testament to the power of cooperation and shared purpose among SADC member states.
“SADC House should be an embodiment of the region’s history, culture, and heritage. The building testifies the importance of collaborative efforts,” he said. He went on to congratulate all stakeholders involved in the PPP arrangement, lauding their commitment to advancing the bloc’s development agenda.
President Mnangagwa also took the opportunity to extend congratulations to Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi on his recent election victory, affirming the strong bilateral ties between Zimbabwe and Botswana.
“Botswana is our second home. Our two countries enjoy excellent multi-faceted relations. And the enabling environment in Botswana allows the SADC secretariat to execute the bloc’s mandate seamlessly,” he remarked.
The SADC Headquarters will serve as the administrative hub for the bloc, facilitating its mission to promote regional integration, sustainable development, and economic cooperation. The event marked a significant milestone in SADC’s efforts to enhance its institutional capacity and operational efficiency.
The ceremony concluded with renewed calls for unity and cooperation among member states, underscoring the shared commitment to the region’s growth and prosperity.
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