• SADC, Russia advance Cooperation Framework with Draft Action Plan

Durban, August 16, 2026 – The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Russian Federation have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties, following high-level talks on the margins of the 46th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government in Durban.

SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, Ms Angele Makombo N’Tumba, met with Ms Tatiana Dovgalenko, Director of the Department for Partnership with Africa at Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to review progress under the 2018 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Basic Principles of Relations and Cooperation.

The meeting focused on finalising a Draft Action Plan to operationalise the MoU, which provides a framework for collaboration in political affairs, industrial development, trade, economic relations, humanitarian activities, science and technology, and cultural initiatives. Proposed new areas of cooperation include digital infrastructure, ICT, agriculture, and engagement with non-state actors.

Discussions also highlighted the broader scope of SADC-Russia relations, including the MoU on Military Technical Cooperation. This agreement covers capacity building, training, research and development, technology transfer, and support for regional peace and security. SADC has expressed interest in enhancing cooperation on the Regional Logistics Depot, the SADC Standby Force, and other non-armament capabilities.

Both parties underscored the importance of the upcoming 3rd Africa-Russia Summit later this year, which is expected to provide a platform for deepening political, economic, scientific, technological, security, cultural, and humanitarian partnerships between Russia and African nations.

© TPA2026