By The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is on a drive to industrialise the economic bloc and trade amongst member states, to realise this dream, the Minister of Industry and Commerce for the Republic of Zimbabwe Hon. Nqobizitha Ndhlovu, says the private sector will play a pivotal role.
Poverty and unemployment in Africa is a stubborn canker that refusing to go away, but to resolve this, Ndhlovu says the private sector remains a priority as it will assist the bloc to create the much needed jobs and improve the quality of life for people within SADC.
During his closing remarks at the seventh SADC Annual Industrialisation Week (SIW) held at the International Convention Centre in Harare, Zimbabwe from 28 July to 2 August 2024; the Minister urged member states to pull together in growing and developing the economy of SADC, by increasing intra-trade amongst themselves.
Ndhlovu further urged the leaders to conclude the ratification processes for the SADC Protocol on Industry.
Strides have been made within the region towards a full optimum industrialisation as outlined in the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap (2015-2063), to this, Ndhlovu applauded the leaders for ensuring that the region realises its full potential in industry.
Throughout the week, the private and public sector met under one roof to explore ways on improving trade and a working relationship between the two. Amongst the private sector in attendance were the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) and International Cooperating Partners such as the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).
Ms. Angele Makombo N’tumba, the SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration said there is power in the collaboration of both the public and private sector as they have the potential to improve the lives of people in the region.
N’tumba further affirmed industrialists and leaders that she will ensure that the ‘Harare Declaration’ from the SIW will be presented to the next SADC Council of Ministers and the 44th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government for their consideration.
The President of Zimbabwe His Excellency, Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, opened the SIW where he welcomed about 2300 delegates from across the SADC region and from other regions as well, including international representatives.
The President emphasised the need to operationalize the SADC Development Fund to provide for long term, affordable finance.
“Our SADC region has immense potential to accelerate the structural formation of our economies, anchored on increased production and productivity. It is critically important therefore, to scrap the domestication of regional value chains towards our entry into global value chains,” said Mnangagwa.
