This is Elias Magosi; New SADC Executive Secretary

Botswana national, Mr. Elias Mpedi Magosi has been sworn in today (August 18, 2021) as the new Executive Secretary of Southern African Development Community (SADC). Mr. Elias Magosi is replacing Tanzanian Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax, whose term came to an end after serving her mandatory two terms. Tax has served as SADC head of the secretariat since 2013.

Who is Elias Mpedi Magosi? Prior to his new role, Mr. Magosi was serving as the Permanent Secretary to the President (PSP) and Head of the Botswana Public Service, as well as Secretary to Botswana Cabinet. He has an experience and requisite leadership competencies gained in executive management in both the public and private sectors, as well as within international organisations. Before assuming the role of PSP, Mr. Magosi served as Deputy-Permanent to the President, from May 2018 to February 2020.

Mr. Magosi also served previously as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Communications, (December 2016 to February 2017); and the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism (March 2015 to November 2016). He also served as the Coordinator of Public Service Reforms, Office of the President, from January 2004 to February 2007.

Mr.Magosi possesses comprehensive understanding and knowledge about the workings of SADC, having served as the Director of Human Resources and Administration at the SADC Secretariat, from March 2017 to April 2018. At the private sector level, Mr. Magosi served as the Cluster Head of Human Resources, Consumer Banking, Southern Africa, at Standard Chartered Bank Botswana, from January 2013 to October 2014; and, Group Head of Human Resources, at Botswana Insurance Holdings Limited, from July 2010 to December 2012.

Mr. Magosi holds a Master of Organisation Development Degree from the Bowling Green State University in the United States of America, Graduate Diploma in Management Services from the University of Bolton in the United Kingdom, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics/Statistics from the University of Botswana.