The 45th SADC Summit emphasized the modernization of maritime corridors for regional trade. Madagascar, with its strategic ports, could reap significant benefits.
The 45th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), held on Sunday, August 17, focused on several resolutions, notably the opening of a new era for regional maritime infrastructure. One of the main objectives adopted during this meeting is to accelerate the opening and modernization of maritime corridors, considered essential for strengthening intra-regional trade and economic integration.
At the summit, the SADC Secretariat was tasked with quickly proposing a strategic plan to enhance the North-South Economic Corridor and to develop a specific strategy for maritime corridors. The goal is to create more efficient and secure maritime routes, capable of supporting interstate trade and fostering long-term investments in regional infrastructure.
The Heads of State stressed that the development of maritime corridors is a key driver for boosting industrial growth and economic resilience. This initiative is in line with the theme of the 45th Summit: “Promoting industrialization, transformation of the agricultural system, and energy transition for a resilient SADC.”
Opportunity
According to regional leaders, well-integrated maritime corridors will reduce logistics costs, improve port connectivity, and facilitate the export of the region’s agricultural and industrial products.
For Madagascar, this resolution could represent a major opportunity. The country already has strategic ports that connect not only to neighboring islands but also to the African continent. With Toamasina—its main commercial hub handling around 80% of national traffic—along with Mahajanga and Ehoala, which also play key roles in regional maritime trade, the opening and modernization of SADC maritime corridors could ease Madagascar’s access to regional and international markets, reduce logistics costs, and attract greater investment for the development of port infrastructure.
The SADC Secretariat was also tasked with initiating discussions with the African Development Bank, the World Bank, and other international partners to mobilize the financing needed for these projects. The summit reaffirmed that the development of maritime corridors is not only a matter of infrastructure—it is also a strategic lever for regional economic integration and food security. These corridors support the export and transport of agricultural products.
Member States were urged to ensure effective coordination and to harmonize their initiatives to maximize the impact of this policy on the region’s competitiveness and economic resilience.
