By George Swarei
Harare, Zimbabwe – The 44th Ordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government concluded with a united commitment to enhance regional integration, cooperation, and economic growth, despite challenges.
In his closing remarks, SADC Chairperson and President of Zimbabwe, Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, expressed gratitude to the leaders for their attendance and valuable contributions. He congratulated incoming Chairperson, President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar, and welcomed his leadership in driving the regional agenda.
The summit took stock of achievements and challenges, with leaders agreeing to scale up engagements to achieve tangible results. They emphasized the need to implement strategies to enhance efficiencies and achieve the common vision outlined in the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan.
The leaders acknowledged progress in regional integration, cooperation, and trade, despite challenges. They noted the need for increased attention to industrialization, health, and gender development.
The summit also addressed peace, security, and stability, with leaders paying tribute to the SADC Forces in Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They emphasized the need to capacitate these forces to ensure regional stability.
The leaders called for the review of regional, continental, and international legal instruments to address present realities. They urged the expedited ratification of the SADC Trade and Industry Protocols and the operationalization of the SADC Regional Development Fund.
President Mnangagwa thanked the Council of Ministers, Standing Committee of Senior Officials, and the SADC Secretariat for their support and assistance. He declared the summit officially closed, wishing the leaders a pleasant stay in Zimbabwe.
Key outcomes of the summit include:
– Commitment to enhancing regional integration and cooperation
– Implementation of strategies to achieve the common vision outlined in the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan
– Increased attention to industrialization, health, and gender development
– Capacitation of SADC Forces for regional stability
– Review of regional, continental, and international legal instruments
– Expedited ratification of the SADC Trade and Industry Protocols
– Operationalization of the SADC Regional Development Fund
The summit demonstrated the leaders’ renewed energy, zeal, determination, and commitment to transforming the lives and livelihoods of SADC citizens.