International Affairs Minister Phenyo Butale said member states need to build on their respective strengths to promote shared prosperity across the region. Butale said coordinated development could reduce pressures driving irregular migration.
Butale was speaking on the sidelines of the SADC Foreign Ministers’ retreat held in South Africa from May 22 to May 24. The meeting brought together representatives from all 16 member states to discuss regional priorities.
Butale said cooperation between Botswana and South Africa remains a central part of regional integration efforts. Recent engagements between the two countries, including a bi-national commission and a state visit, focused on strengthening collaboration in areas such as trade, investment and industrial development.
Butale said the focus is shifting towards the practical implementation of joint initiatives. Butale said countries should identify areas where they have developed expertise and work with partners to expand capacity at a regional level.
Examples cited include Botswana’s work in vaccine production and experience in mining and mineral processing. Butale said such areas can be used as a basis for joint investment and knowledge sharing.
Butale also highlighted economic challenges facing the region, including reliance on imports. Butale said SADC imports about 80% of its cereal needs, representing significant financial outflows that could be redirected to support domestic production.
Butale said the region also imports large volumes of equipment linked to mineral extraction, despite having strong natural resource capacity. Butale said improving local production and coordination could support economic resilience.
Migration was identified as a key issue during the discussions. Butale said irregular migration reflects underlying economic conditions across the region. Butale said improving economic opportunities within member states would allow migration to become a choice rather than a necessity.
Butale said addressing migration requires coordinated policies that consider development, governance and security factors. Butale said member states need to engage collectively to identify solutions that support both mobility and stability.
–SABC/ChannelAfrica–
