Southern African Development Community

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Organization of countries in the region working together initially to reduce their economic dependence on South Africa and harmonize their economic policies, but from 1995 to promote the creation of a free-trade zone by 2000. It was established in 1980 as the Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC), adopting its present name in 1992, and focuses on transport and communications, energy, mining, and industrial production. The member states are Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe; headquarters in Gaborone, Botswana.

Heads of state and government hold annual meetings and SADC ministers meet at least twice a year to formulate plans.

The stars represent the states of Pohnpei, Kosrae, Yap, and Chuuk. The blue field is said to represent the Pacific Ocean. Effective date: 30 November 1978. >>