Madagascar joins SADC southern Africa bloc

GABORONE (Reuters) - The Indian Ocean island state of Madagascar formally joined the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on Thursday, hoping to boost economic expansion through links with the regional bloc.

Madagascar's President Marc Ravalomanana said he hoped to spur more action within the organisation, which critics dismiss as ineffective and even leading members say has failed to put into practice a long list of agreements.

"I have been an entrepreneur throughout most of my life. I want to get things done," Ravalomanana told heads of state and government from SADC countries as its annual summit concluded in Botswana's capital Gaborone.

Madagascar's entry, approved by SADC heads of state at the summit, which closed on Thursday, brings the membership back to 14. Tiny Seychelles had previously left the organisation due in part to the cost of membership.

Source: Reuter