President Cyril Ramaphosa will represent the Southern African Development Community (SADC) at the 8th African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in El-Alamein, Egypt, on Sunday, 4 October 2026.
Ramaphosa will attend the gathering in his role as SADC Chairperson, joining other African leaders and senior representatives to discuss continental integration and the implementation of the AU’s development agenda. The African Union has confirmed the meeting for 4 October in El-Alamein.
Continental Leaders Set to Review Africa’s Integration Agenda
The meeting will bring together Heads of State and Government from the AU Bureau, leaders of Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Regional Mechanisms (RMs), heads of AU organs and representatives of development institutions.
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) are among the development partners expected to participate.
The annual coordination meeting gives the RECs an opportunity to exchange views on the state of continental integration and discuss progress towards the objectives outlined in Agenda 2063, the AU’s long-term development framework.
AU, Regional Bodies to Examine Division of Responsibilities
A major focus will be the implementation of the Division of Labour between the African Union, RECs, Regional Mechanisms and individual Member States.
The discussions are intended to improve coordination between the different levels of continental governance while strengthening synergies and the principle of subsidiarity in delivering Agenda 2063 programmes.
The AU has previously highlighted the need for stronger coordination among these institutions as part of efforts to accelerate the implementation of continental priorities.
AUDA-NEPAD Role in Integration Under Review
Leaders will also examine the contribution of the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD) to regional and continental integration.
The agency’s role will be considered alongside broader efforts to improve the implementation of development programmes and strengthen cooperation between African institutions.
AfCFTA Progress to Feature on the Agenda
Trade integration will be another major issue during the meeting, with leaders expected to assess progress in implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The discussions come as the AU continues to push for closer economic integration among African countries and improved coordination in implementing continent-wide initiatives. The Mid-Year Coordination Meeting’s preparatory discussions have also included AfCFTA implementation.
Water and Sanitation Infrastructure to Receive Attention
Infrastructure related to water and sanitation will also feature prominently in the discussions.
The issue forms part of the AU’s broader development priorities and is linked to the implementation of Agenda 2063. The AU’s 2026 theme focuses on sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems as part of achieving Agenda 2063 goals.
African Leaders to Discuss Conflict Prevention
Peace and security will form another important part of the meeting, with leaders expected to consider efforts to prevent and address conflicts across the continent.
Particular attention will be given to strengthening the AU’s early warning mechanisms, which are intended to help identify and respond to emerging conflicts before they escalate.
The issue was also included in preparatory discussions for the meeting, alongside continental integration and regional coordination.
Ramaphosa Expected to Hold Bilateral Engagements
Beyond the formal programme, the meeting will give Ramaphosa an opportunity to engage other African leaders on issues of mutual concern.
According to the Presidency, the gathering provides a platform for bilateral discussions on African matters involving South Africa, SADC and other continental partners.
Egypt to Host Business Forum and AUDA-NEPAD Summit
The main leaders’ meeting will form part of a broader programme in Egypt.
A Business Forum is scheduled to take place from 2 to 4 October, while Egypt will host a Summit of the Founders of AUDA-NEPAD on 3 October.
These events will take place around the Mid-Year Coordination Meeting and bring additional attention to economic cooperation and the continent’s development institutions.
Ramaphosa’s Ministerial Delegation
Ramaphosa will travel with International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, and Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau.
The delegation reflects the range of issues expected to feature during the meeting, including regional diplomacy, continental development and trade integration.
