President Emmerson Mnangagwa Officially Closes SADC TFCA Summit in Harare as Lesotho Prime Minister Leads Delegation
President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, who currently serves as the Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), officially closed the SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA) Summit held in Harare. The summit, which brought together regional leaders, conservation experts, and environmental stakeholders, concluded with renewed commitments to cross-border collaboration in preserving Southern Africa’s rich biodiversity.
Among the high-level attendees was The Right Honourable Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane, who led his country’s delegation to the summit. Prime Minister Matekane reaffirmed Lesotho’s dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable natural resource management, noting the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing regional environmental challenges.
In his closing remarks, President Mnangagwa highlighted the pivotal role of TFCAs in promoting peace, sustainable tourism, and community development across borders. “This summit has reaffirmed our collective determination to protect our natural heritage,” he said. “TFCAs are not just about conservation — they are a bridge for cooperation, economic opportunity, and sustainable livelihoods for our people.”
Held under the theme “Conservation, Collaboration, and Climate Resilience”, the summit underscored the strategic importance of transboundary conservation efforts in mitigating the effects of climate change and safeguarding endangered ecosystems. Discussions focused on enhancing partnerships, improving governance frameworks, and increasing community participation in conservation activities.
Prime Minister Matekane, speaking during a panel session, praised the summit for fostering dialogue between member states and urged for greater investment in eco-tourism initiatives and local capacity-building. “We must ensure that communities living near conservation areas are empowered and see the tangible benefits of these efforts,” he said.
The summit also served as a platform for sharing success stories and strategies among the participating countries, including innovative conservation financing mechanisms and the use of digital technology in wildlife monitoring.
As the summit concluded, member states adopted a communiqué outlining a joint action plan aimed at accelerating the implementation of TFCA programmes and strengthening regional environmental governance. The communiqué emphasized the need for enhanced resource mobilization and international partnerships to support long-term conservation goals.
President Mnangagwa’s leadership as SADC Chair has been pivotal in advancing regional integration efforts, particularly in environmental and ecological sectors. With the summit now concluded, the focus shifts to practical implementation and the measurable impact of TFCA initiatives on communities and wildlife across the region.
The successful hosting of the SADC TFCA Summit in Harare not only highlights Zimbabwe’s commitment to regional development but also reinforces SADC’s collective vision of a sustainable and environmentally secure future.
