Multilateral Relations

South Africa’s foreign policy focuses on building unity, inclusive economic development and shared prosperity for the African continent and its people. Accordingly, the department plays an active role in the structures and processes of the African Union (AU) to advance peace and security and prevent conflict in Africa.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) remains a major vehicle for South Africa’s pursuit of regional development and integration. This inter-governmental organisation headquartered in Gaborone, Botswana, aims to further regional socio-economic cooperation and integration as well as political and security cooperation among 16 countries in southern Africa.

South Africa’s foreign policy focuses on building unity, inclusive economic development and shared prosperity for the African continent and its people. Accordingly, the department plays an active role in the structures and processes of the African Union (AU) to advance peace and security and prevent conflict in Africa.