Chronicle Editor
Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]
THE calls to prioritise infrastructure development must be amplified during the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) Industrialisation Week to be hosted by Zimbabwe at the end of this month.
The Sadc Industrialisation Week (SIW) will run from July 28 to August 2, 2024, under the theme: “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustainable Economic Growth and Development: Towards an Industrialised Sadc”. Government expects about 300 guests and 150 companies to participate in deliberations during the SIW, which will take place ahead of the Sadc Summit next month.
As a region of mostly developing economies, the Sadc region has vast opportunities for infrastructure development projects with adoption of innovation and digitisation seen as key areas to stimulate economic growth. The Zimbabwe Builders and Contractors Association (ZBCA), which will be among the participating local entities at the SIW slated for July 28 to August 2, 2024, has pledged to utilise the opportunity to showcase vast opportunities in Zimbabwe and seek potential synergies.
Responding to written questions, ZBCA vice president, Dr Tinashe Manzungu said during the week ZBCA would forge partnerships and unlock new opportunities for growth and development of the sector in line with the Sadc Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap (2025-2063). Dr Manzungu said most Sadc member states’ economies have over the years faced an infrastructure gap, which has hurt socio-economic development in the region.
“Sadc being one of the emerging economies, infrastructure development stimulates economic, social and technological advancement,” he said.
“The sector contributes between 3–13 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and about five percent of employment across Sadc economies and we want to strive for a future proofed industry.” Dr Manzungu said the SIW will offer unrivalled networking and deal-making opportunities, combining all facets of construction infrastructure.
He said as private sector they are geared to engage with the many stakeholders and representatives as they look at further progressing the construction sector within Sadc. ZBCA chief executive officer, Mrs Joyline Zindaga, said SIW would promote industrial development, economic growth, international relations and job creation in the region.
She said the SIW is expected to stimulate infrastructure development in the region, which is critical for the construction sector. “The SIW is expected to attract foreign investment, which can lead to increased investment in the construction sector,” said Mrs Zindaga. “This will enable construction companies to access new resources, technologies and expertise, leading to improved project execution and delivery.
“It will also encourage innovation and the adoption of new technologies in the construction sector. This will lead to more efficient and cost-effective project delivery, as well as improved product offerings.” The Sadc Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap 2015-2063 is premised on the conviction that regional integration will promote industrialisation.
It recognises that industrial policy and implementation will be largely undertaken at the national level and that its success depends on forging a compact strategy for industry consisting of the Government, the private sector, civil society, labour and the development partners. It also seeks to engender a major economic and technological transformation at the national and regional levels within the context of deeper regional integration. — @SikhulekelaniM1
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