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Introduction
On 1 April 1980 the leaders and representatives of the
st
independent states of Southern Africa came together
in Lusaka. At this historic summit meeting they signed
the Declaration Southern Africa: Toward Economic
Liberation. This Declaration commits the countries of
the region to work harmoniously to integrate their
economies and gradually to reduce their dependence,
particularly, but not only, on the Republic of South Af-
rica. Accelerated economic development and regional
self- reliance are the twin objectives of the Declaration.
The only guarantee for the success of this initiative is
the efforts of the people and the governments of the re-
gion. The Declaration also contains an appeal for ex-
ternal cooperation and international support. Southern
African development coordination “will be achieved
more rapidly and will be more effective if development
takes place within the context of global
cooperation.”Amon J. Nsekela, High Commissioner for Tan-
zania, Chairman, SADCC Steering Committee

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