An estimated 60 million citizens in SADC were food insecure in 2024, representing 17% of the region's population.

This data was revealed by the SADC Executive Secretary, Elias Magosi, who said the situation calls for urgency in agricultural transformation and investments in the sector.

Magosi outlined the planned interventions guided by the theme of the 45th SADC summit.

Among these is the focus on empowering women and youth to engage in agricultural production and agro-processing.

Magosi says once these groups are equipped with modern tools, technologies, and skills, they would thrive in a competitive environment.

“We will intensify efforts to transform the agriculture sector, which contributes about 33% of the SADC GDP, and over 62% of our population derive their livelihoods from agriculture.”

Meanwhile, the Summit is also deliberating the progress of the SADC Development Fund.

Magosi says only nine SADC member states have signed the agreement, which seeks to establish and operationalise the SADC Development Fund.

Angola and Zambia are the only countries that have deposited their instruments, while Namibia is at an advanced stage of the process.

According to Magosi, the SADC Development Fund would play a crucial role in the region's efforts to reduce reliance on foreign aid and achieve self-sufficiency.

“I therefore reiterate our persistent plea and urge the remaining Member States to accelerate the signing and ratification of the RDF Agreement, commit to its capitalisation, and support its swift operationalisation.”

The Fund is expected to be operationalised in two stages.