The article discusses how social and economic policies are interconnected in regional integration, focusing on the Southern African Development Community (SADC). It argues that for SADC to benefit from integration, both economic gains and social considerations must be balanced. The study suggests that regional coherence and open regionalism are crucial for successful integration, as they can help reduce costs, attract foreign investment, and coordinate macroeconomic policies. The findings highlight the importance of recognizing the dualism of social and economic policies in SADC's integration program to avoid negative social impacts from economic integration.