The Democratic Republic of Congo's conflict will be discussed

Namibia's Trade Minister, Hidip Hamutenya, said the SADC meeting would agree closer collaboration on security issues as well as plans to halt the market in illicit firearms in a region prone to crime and conflict.

Southern Africa has been ravaged by an Aids epidemic that is killing off much of the young workforce.

SADC leaders will look at a range of options to conquer the disease, including cheaper drugs.

Ministers will also approve new plans for a common SADC visa, which will be called the Univisa, aimed at boosting tourism - which is widely regarded as a sector with great potential for creating employment.

'Quiet diplomacy'

The heads of state will also review peace moves in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the armies of Zimbabwe, Angola and Namibia are backing the government against an eastern rebel offensive that has the support of Rwanda and Uganda.

Zimbabwe's white-owned farm seizures are a sign of a region in conflict

The perception of the SADC as a region in conflict has been highlighted by the seizure of white-owned farms in Zimbabwe which has been sanctioned by the government.

Sources at the conference said the summit would attempt "quiet diplomacy" to persuade Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe to restore stability.

The South African President, Thabo Mbeki, has been criticised at home and abroad for this softly-softly approach to Mr Mugabe.

He admitted last week that efforts to halt Zimbabwe's economic collapse through dialogue had so far failed.

But Mr Mugabe said on Sunday that his land reform drive was humane and did not mean that his government was throwing white farmers out of the country.