SADC Executive Secretary Elias Mpedi Magosi with the SADC Chairman and the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa
By George Swarei
Harare, Zimbabwe – The 44th Ordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government kicked off today, with leaders converging to discuss ways to promote innovation and unlock opportunities for sustained economic growth and development.
In his introductory remarks, SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi emphasized the need for the region to harness innovation to accelerate industrialization. He noted that intra-regional trade stands at a low 23%, hindered by non-tariff barriers, and called for collective efforts to reduce these barriers and promote intra-regional cooperation.
Magosi reported progress on the Tripartite Free Trade Area, which entered into force on July 25, 2024, creating a larger market of 26 countries with a population of 700 million and a GDP of $1 trillion.
On peace and security, Magosi highlighted the region’s efforts to address security challenges in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique. He expressed gratitude to President Hakainde Hichilema, Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, for his commitment to peace and security in the region.
The summit will also address the humanitarian situation in the region, exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon, which has affected 67.7 million people. Magosi thanked President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço for launching the SADC Regional Humanitarian Appeal.
Magosi emphasized the need for adequate financial resources to implement SADC’s development plan and operationalize the Regional Development Fund. He called on member states to expedite signing and ratifying the agreement.
The summit will also focus on youth development, recognizing the demographic dividend as a key driver for sustainable industrialization.
Outgoing Chairperson President Lourenço was praised for his exemplary leadership, while incoming Chairperson President Mnangagwa was welcomed to lead the region forward.
The summit is expected to produce declarations on intra-regional trade, peace and security, and youth development, shaping the future of the SADC region.