DURBAN ICC WELCOMES SOUTHERN AFRICAN LEADERS FOR THE 46th SADC SUMMIT
Durban, South Africa – The Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) is honoured to welcome Heads of State and Government, Ministers, senior government officials and regional leaders from across Southern Africa for the 46th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
As one of the most significant diplomatic gatherings on the African continent, the Summit will bring together leaders from the SADC Member States to deliberate on issues of regional integration, economic cooperation, peace, security and sustainable development, reaffirming Southern Africa’s shared commitment to prosperity and collective progress.
The Durban ICC has a proud history of hosting high-level international summits and intergovernmental meetings that have shaped policy, strengthened regional partnerships and advanced global dialogue. The Centre is therefore privileged to provide the platform for leaders to engage on matters of strategic importance to the region.
Speaking ahead of the Summit, Durban ICC Chief Executive Officer, Ms Lindiwe Rakharebe, said the event reinforces Durban’s reputation as one of Africa’s foremost destinations for international diplomacy and business events. “It is a tremendous honour for the Durban ICC to host the 46th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of SADC. Events of this significance demonstrate the important role that world-class convention centres play in facilitating dialogue, strengthening regional cooperation and creating the environment where meaningful decisions can be made for the benefit of our continent.”
She added that the Summit reflects the confidence that regional and international organisations continue to place in the Durban ICC’s ability to deliver complex, high-profile events of global importance. “Hosting leaders from across Southern Africa requires exceptional planning, operational excellence and close collaboration between numerous stakeholders. We are proud of our experienced team, whose professionalism and dedication continue to ensure that the Durban ICC delivers events of the highest international standard.”
Since opening its doors in 1997, the Durban ICC has welcomed presidents, prime ministers, ministers, diplomats, global business leaders and international organisations from around the world.
Over nearly three decades, the Centre has successfully hosted landmark events that have contributed to regional development, knowledge exchange, investment attraction and economic growth.
Beyond its diplomatic significance, the SADC Summit is expected to generate meaningful economic benefits for Durban and KwaZulu-Natal through increased demand for accommodation, transport, hospitality, catering and a wide range of local services. During the Summit, President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to formally assume the SADC Chairpersonship for the 2026/27 term.
The Summit also comes at a time when the Durban ICC continues to receive recognition for its economic contribution to the country. The Centre’s latest independent Economic Impact Assessment confirmed that the entity contributed more than R8.1 billion to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product and supported more than 14,300 annualised jobs during the 2025/26 financial year.
Ms Rakharebe said the Durban ICC remains committed to providing a platform where leaders can engage in constructive dialogue that advances regional cooperation and sustainable development. “Throughout our history, the Durban ICC has been a place where people, ideas and nations come together. Whether hosting international conferences, global summits or regional forums such as SADC, our purpose remains to provide a world-class environment where collaboration flourishes and where conversations can translate into meaningful progress.”
The Durban ICC extends a warm welcome to all Heads of State, government delegations, officials and delegates attending the Summit and wishes them productive deliberations as they work together to strengthen cooperation and advance the shared aspirations of the Southern African region.
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Issued by: The Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC)
For more information contact: Durban ICC Marketing & Communications Executive – Sandile Makhanya, 031 360 1192 or sandilema@icc.co.za