SADC Summit Outcomes: Southern African leaders wrapped up the 46th SADC Heads of State meeting in Durban with fresh commitments to speed up regional integration and industrialisation, with critical minerals and agriculture transformation, infrastructure and regional value chains at the core. SADC Chair Handover: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa took over the chairmanship for the next year, urging faster implementation and warning intra-SADC trade is still stuck at about one-fifth of total trade. Border Efficiency Push: Ramaphosa called for One-Stop Border Posts so trucks don’t “spend days waiting” at crossings, aiming to cut logistics costs and boost trade. Mineral Processing Drive: ECA officials and SADC leaders urged the region to stop exporting raw minerals and move into beneficiation and manufacturing to create jobs. Madagascar Angle: SADC leaders also discussed regional peace and security, including the situation in Madagascar, and urged dialogue. Land Decolonisation: Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court reportedly approved transferring colonial-era land still registered under foreign names to the state, a potential boost for national control and future development. Telecom/Connectivity: Ncell announced a 60-second pulse rate for international outgoing calls (effective Aug 18) and Airtel Africa launched direct-to-phone satellite service in DR Congo, underscoring the region’s push for better connectivity.