The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is discussing the Democratic Republic of Congo's accession to the key protocols. 

The high-level meetings of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on the accession of the Democratic Republic of Congo to the major protocols were officially opened by the Minister of Regional Integration of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Floribert Anzoloni Iselukichi.

SADC Regional Integration Agenda

These meetings are an important step in supporting the alignment of the Democratic Republic of Congo with the SADC regional integration agenda, particularly the protocols relating to trade, trade in services, transport, communications and meteorology, which are essential elements to ensure full participation in the group’s free trade area.

During her opening remarks on April 27, 2026, SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, Angeli Makombo Ntemba, stressed the importance of implementation, saying: “Joining is only the first step; the real value lies in the effective implementation and localization of these protocols.”.

Germany's commitment to supporting regional integration

For her part, the Deputy German Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sabine Mehnert, reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting regional integration.

Mehnert said: “Free trade zones have huge transformative potential, and Germany remains committed to supporting the SADC group and the Democratic Republic of Congo in taking advantage of these opportunities.”.

 The Democratic Republic of Congo's accession and active participation within the SADC region

In his speech during the official opening, Floribert Anzoloni Isselokichi, Minister of Regional Integration of the Democratic Republic of Congo, stressed the need to achieve practical results.

“This workshop should produce concrete and actionable recommendations to guide the Democratic Republic of Congo’s accession process and its effective participation within the SADC region,” Isileukichi said in his speech.

Develop a clear roadmap for the accession and implementation process.

These meetings are funded by the German government through German cooperation with SADC, bringing together policymakers, technical experts and stakeholders with the aim of setting priorities, enhancing coordination and developing a clear roadmap for the accession and implementation process.

This initiative reflects the strong partnership between the SADC Group and Germany in promoting regional integration, facilitating trade, and supporting sustainable economic development.