MWE Correspondent
SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, Ms Angele Makombo NโTumba, met with Ms Tatiana Dovgalenko, Director of the Department for Partnership with Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, on 16 August 2026 in Durban, South Africa, on the margins of the 46th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government.
The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between SADC and the Russian Federation, with particular emphasis on the status of the Draft Action Plan under the 2018 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Basic Principles of Relations and Cooperation.
The discussions reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between SADC and the Russian Federation, with the 2018 MoU providing a framework for mutually beneficial cooperation in political affairs, industrial development, trade, economic relations, humanitarian activities, science and technology, as well as social and cultural initiatives. Russia also maintains strong bilateral relations with several SADC Member States, contributing to broader engagement between the Russian Federation and the region.
Also Read: Mkenda Announces Incentives on World Teachersโ Day Today
The parties discussed modalities for operationalising the MoU through the finalisation of the Draft Action Plan. Other areas of cooperation proposed include digital infrastructure and ICT, economics and finance, agriculture and non-state actors. The meeting also considered the next steps towards the formalisation of the Action Plan, including the anticipated commencement of support for activities to be implemented under the framework.
The meeting further highlighted the broader scope of SADC-Russia cooperation, including the existing MoU on Military Technical Cooperation, which provides for collaboration in capacity building, training, research and development, technology transfer and support for regional peace and security. SADC has expressed interest in cooperation in areas including support for the Regional Logistics Depot, the SADC Standby Force and other non-armament capabilities.
