President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has arrived in Antananarivo, Madagascar, for the 45th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of SADC, which is starting tomorrow.

The commitment to regional integration, industrialisation and self-sufficiency are the topics underpinning the 45th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, the highest decision-making body of the bloc.

Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah will deliver her maiden address, as well as President Daniel Chapo of Mozambique, Botswana's President Duma Boko and the Prime Minister of Mauritius Navinchandra Ramgoolam.

Presidency's Press Secretary Jonas Mbambo says Dr Nandi-Ndaitwah's maiden address will focus on advancing industrialisation and value addition to raw materials, creating sustainable youth employment opportunities, strengthening energy security, and modernising agriculture to ensure food security. 

Mbambo added that the Head of State will also underscore the importance of regional cooperation, shared growth and prosperity across the region.

The regional leaders are also meeting at a time marked by global economic unpredictabilities, rising trade tariffs and a decline in foreign aid.

Calls had since been intensified for the SADC region to reduce dependence on the raw material exports and to increase intra-regional trade, which is currently at 11 per cent, according to the SADC Secretariat.