Ambassadors of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in Nigeria have commended the country for its contributions to political, security, and socio-economic cooperation across the bloc.
SADC consists of 16 member states, with eight represented in Nigeria: Angola, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Speaking at the SADC Day celebration in Abuja on Saturday night, the diplomats reflected on the theme “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC.” The annual event marks the anniversary of the community and highlights its achievements in integration, cooperation, and development.
Ambassador Maxwell Ranga, Zimbabwe’s envoy to Nigeria and Chairperson of the SADC group in Abuja, said the bloc is working toward a free trade area, improved food security, and the free movement of people across the region. He recalled Nigeria’s historic role in supporting Southern Africa’s liberation struggles.
“We will never forget Nigeria’s pivotal role in supporting liberation in Southern Africa, particularly its strong support for the Frontline States,” Ranga said.
He cited Nigeria’s diplomatic, military, and humanitarian support for movements such as South Africa’s ANC, Namibia’s SWAPO, and Zimbabwe’s ZANU. He also recalled the creation of the Southern African Relief Fund (SARF) in 1976, which mobilised nationwide donations for liberation causes.
Nigeria, he added, trained freedom fighters, offered scholarships to Southern African students, and provided financial and material assistance to countries like Zambia and Tanzania, which faced economic strain due to their anti-apartheid stance. The country also leveraged its oil resources by cutting trade with apartheid South Africa and advocating for international sanctions.
“These efforts cemented Nigeria’s role as a Pan-African force and ally in ending apartheid and colonialism,” Ranga declared, stressing that SADC nations remain grateful for Nigeria’s