43rd SADC Summit Highlights Sustainable Industrialization and Regional Cooperation
"Our goal is to establish a regionally inclusive and resilient industrial sector that can withstand global challenges," President Lourenço noted.
LUANDA, Angola-The 43rd Ordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government commenced in Luanda, Angola, focusing on advancing sustainable industrialization through agro-processing, mineral beneficiation, and regional value chains, writes Winston Mwale.
The SADC, an organization founded and maintained by countries in southern Africa, aims to enhance socioeconomic, political, and security cooperation among its member states to foster regional integration and achieve peace, stability, and prosperity.
Member states include Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The summit opened with an official ceremony, during which SADC Executive Secretary Elias Mpedi Magosi emphasised the importance of driving sustainable industrialization for regional development.
"The SADC Summit is dedicated to advancing industrialization as a means to boost economic growth and resilience across the region," Magosi stated.
In his welcome address, the new SADC Chairperson, João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of Angola, highlighted the pivotal role of human and financial capital in fostering sustainable industrialization.
"Our goal is to establish a regionally inclusive and resilient industrial sector that can withstand global challenges," President Lourenço noted.
The summit's programme included the presentation of medals in honour of SADC founders, recognition of regional winners in various essay and media competitions, and keynote addresses by prominent leaders.
The discussions during the summit are set to revolve around strategies to promote sustainable industrialization, foster economic growth, and strengthen cooperation across sectors within the region.
The closing ceremony is slated to feature the swearing-in of the new SADC Secretariat Deputy Executive Secretary for Corporate Affairs, the signing of legal instruments by SADC heads of state and government, cultural interventions, and statements by key figures, including the SADC Chairperson.
The event underscores the SADC's commitment to regional integration, cooperation, and fostering sustainable development through industrialization.