By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
DURBAN — Outgoing SADC Youth Leader Ambassador Apphia Musavengana has handed over the reins of regional youth leadership to Madagascar, closing her tenure with an emotional speech that celebrated unity, empowerment, and the transformative power of youth and women in industrialisation.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 46th Ordinary Summit of Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government in Durban, Ambassador Musavengana expressed her pride in the region’s leadership and the progress made under her watch.
“I will be handing over the power of authority to the new SADC Youth Leader in Empowerment selected by all SADC Heads of State, appointed by the new Chairman. South Africa will take over and continue the region’s work,” she wrote on her social media timeline.
She added: “South Africa, behold Empowerment of Regional Youth, behold brotherhood, behold Unity. #SADCYOUTH26.”
Beyond the handover, Ambassador Musavengana used her final address to call for deeper collaboration between SADC and India, emphasising the importance of forging strategic partnerships that benefit the region’s young people.
“As my time comes to a close, I am deeply honoured to hand over the leadership to the rising voice of Madagascar,” she said. “Let us remember that industrialisation is not only a factory but it is a mindset. When we empower youth and women, we do not just build industries — we build nations.”
Her remarks underscored the critical role of youth in driving the region’s industrialisation agenda, a central theme of the SADC summit.
The 46th Ordinary Summit marked a significant moment for the region as President Emmerson Mnangagwa officially handed over the SADC chairmanship to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
President Mnangagwa traveled to Durban in August 2026 for the summit, where regional leaders gathered to deliberate on key issues affecting the Southern African bloc, including economic integration, infrastructure development, and youth empowerment.
Ambassador Musavengana‘s transfer of the youth leadership baton to Madagascar aligns with the summit’s broader theme of continuity and collaboration, ensuring that the voices of young people remain central to SADC‘s agenda.
During her tenure, Ambassador Musavengana championed youth participation in regional decision-making, advocating for policies that create opportunities for young entrepreneurs, women, and marginalised groups.
Her call for SADC-India collaboration has been seen as a forward-looking move to open new markets and partnerships for the region’s youth, particularly in technology, agriculture, and manufacturing.
As Madagascar steps into its new role, Ambassador Musavengana leaves behind a legacy of unity, purpose, and an unwavering belief in the power of young people to shape the future of the region.
#SADCYOUTH26 #SADC46 #YouthEmpowerment #RegionalUnity #Musavengana
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