Date: Tuesday, 23 June 2026
Time: 11:00 – 12:30 (CAT/GMT+2)
Format: Virtual Dialogue
Organiser: UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Subregional Office for Southern Africa (SRO-SA)
About the Event
The UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Subregional Office for Southern Africa (SRO-SA) will host a High-Level Regional Dialogue to assess the socioeconomic impacts of the Middle East crisis on Southern Africa and to identify policy measures that could enhance regional resilience against future shocks.
This dialogue is timely, as Southern African economies are experiencing increased pressures from higher energy prices, supply chain disruptions, inflation, and fiscal constraints due to the conflict. The event will offer a platform for policymakers, regional institutions, development partners, the private sector, and experts to assess the situation and the impact of mitigation measures, share national and regional experiences, and explore stronger coordinated responses to this and future external shocks.
Objectives
The dialogue aims to:
- Assess the macroeconomic, sectoral, and social impacts of the Middle East crisis across Southern Africa.
- Share national and regional experiences on policy responses and mitigation measures.
- Identify strategic opportunities emerging from the crisis, including logistics, energy diversification, and commodity markets.
- Explore the role of regional institutions and development partners in supporting crisis response efforts.
- Recommend policy actions and structural reforms to enhance resilience against future external shocks.
Key Discussion Themes
- Impact of rising energy prices on Southern African economies.
- Fiscal, monetary, and social protection responses by governments.
- Effects on private sector operations and investment.
- Regional economic implications and opportunities.
- Building resilient economies in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
- Strengthening regional cooperation and crisis preparedness.
Expected Outcomes
Participants will:
- Gain a deeper understanding of the crisis and its implications for Southern Africa.
- Exchange experiences and lessons from national and regional responses.
- Identify opportunities for economic transformation and resilience-building.
- Strengthen collaboration among governments, regional organisations, development partners, and the private sector.
- Contribute to actionable recommendations for policymakers across the region.
Participants
The dialogue will bring together:
- Senior government officials from Southern African member States.
- Representatives of Ministries of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
- COMESA and SADC Secretariats.
- UN Resident Coordinators and UN agencies.
- Development partners.
- Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations.
- Research and academic institutions, and policy experts.
Programme Highlights
- Opening Remarks
- Analytical Presentation on the Impact of the Middle East Crisis
- High-Level Panel Discussion
- Interactive Dialogue with Participants
- Closing Reflections and Key Recommendations
Language
The meeting will be conducted in English with simultaneous interpretation into Portuguese.
Registration and Participation
Registered participants will receive connection details and the provisional programme before the event.
Organised by:
UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)
Subregional Office for Southern Africa (SRO-SA)
Further information on the meeting and any other related matters should be addressed to:
Ms Annie Tembatemba
Team Assistant
United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
Southern Africa Office
P.O. Box 30647, Lusaka, Zambia
Tel.: +260 211 228 502
Email: tembatemba.uneca@un.org
With a copy to:
Mr Mzwanele G. Mfunwa
Economic Affairs Officer,
United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
Subregional Office for Southern Africa
Lusaka, Zambia
E-mail: mfunwa@un.org
Ms Amandine Nakumuryango
Economic Affairs Officer
United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
Subregional Office for Southern Africa (SRO-SA)
Lusaka, Zambia
Email: amandine.nakumuryango@un.org
Lavender Degre
Communications Officer
ECA Subregional Office for Southern Africa, Lusaka, Zambia
Email: lavender.degre@un.org