SADC warns against unauthorised use of name, logo

Africa

GABORONE, Botswana (NPA) — The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has issued a public notice warning against the unauthorised use of its name, acronym, and official logo.

In the notice, the SADC Secretariat stated that the name “Southern African Development Community,” the acronym “SADC,” and the organisation’s logo are registered and legally protected trademarks.

It stressed that any unauthorised use of these marks constitutes an infringement of its intellectual property rights and may attract legal action.

The Secretariat further clarified that operating within the Southern African region does not grant any organisation or entity the right to adopt the SADC name or use its brand identity in any form.

Members of the public, institutions, and organisations were urged to refrain from unauthorised use of the protected marks, noting that they are strictly reserved for official SADC programmes, activities, and events.

For clarification or authorisation requests, the Secretariat advised contacting its Communication and Public Relations Unit.

The mission of the sixteen‑member state organisation is to promote sustainable and equitable economic growth and socio‑economic development across its members through deeper regional integration. The organisation works to alleviate poverty, enhance the standard and quality of life of the people of Southern Africa, and support the socially disadvantaged through coordinated policies and programmes. It also focuses on maintaining peace, security, and political stability, which are regarded as essential foundations for development and cooperation in the region.

SADC’s vision is to build a common future within a regional community that ensures economic well-being, improved standards of living and quality of life, freedom, and social justice for its people. It aspires to achieve this through strong regional solidarity, efficient institutions, and shared values, creating a competitive and globally integrated Southern African region that benefits all its citizens.