SADC Intensifies Drive for Regional Trade and Industrialisation

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is stepping up efforts to expand intra-regional trade and accelerate industrialisation as the bloc seeks to build a more resilient, self-reliant and competitive regional economy.

Addressing the media during a post-Cabinet briefing, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister said increasing trade among member states remains a key priority for the regional body, noting that a significant proportion of trade involving SADC countries continues to take place outside the region.

He said SADC is implementing a range of initiatives aimed at unlocking the region’s economic potential, including the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and the Regional Development Fund, which are designed to stimulate local production, strengthen manufacturing capacity and promote value addition across member states.

Professor Murwira said the programmes are also focused on developing integrated regional value chains, improving infrastructure connectivity and facilitating the efficient movement of goods, services and people across the bloc’s market of more than 400 million people.

He noted that stronger regional integration is critical to enhancing competitiveness, attracting investment and creating sustainable economic opportunities for the region’s citizens.

The Minister said deeper cooperation among member states will enable SADC economies to maximise their collective strengths, reduce dependence on external markets and build industries capable of competing on the global stage.

SADC’s long-term vision is to create a dynamic and diversified regional economy driven by industrial growth, innovation, value addition and cross-border collaboration, while increasing the share of trade conducted within the region.

As the bloc advances its industrialisation agenda, regional leaders remain optimistic that stronger economic integration will accelerate sustainable development, create jobs and improve livelihoods across Southern Africa.

By Witness A Phiri