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Africa Moyo
Deputy News Editor
THE SADC Industrialisation Week is a vital platform for fostering new trade opportunities, regional investment and collaboration among member countries, Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said this week.
Speaking during the official opening of the 7th SADC Industrialisation Week in Harare on Wednesday, he said: “This week marks a significant milestone in our journey as a region, towards sustainable economic growth and development.
“Your Excellency (President Mnangagwa), as you assume the Chairmanship of SADC, it is exactly 10 years since the region front-loaded the industrialisation agenda here in Zimbabwe, in Victoria Falls. We are excited that coincidentally the review of the industrialisation milestones will be coming back to Harare during your chairmanship.”
The SADC Industrialisation Week, which started on Sunday ending today, is running under the theme: “Promoting innovation to unlock opportunities for sustained economic growth and development towards an industrialised SADC.”
The theme is similar to the one for the 44th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government to be held in Harare.
Minister Ndlovu said Zimbabwe was pleased to host distinguished policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, Investment Promotion Agencies and investors to chart a path towards an industrialised SADC.
The private sector, he said, played a critical role in the industrial development process to bring about the much-needed structural transformation in the region.
“Regional integration remains a key pillar of our industrialisation strategy. We acknowledge that by working together, we can leverage our collective strengths, pool resources and create synergies that drive economic growth and development. It is essential that we build resilient supply chains that enhance our competitiveness in the global market.
“As we embark on this week-long event, we will also focus on promoting green and sustainable industries; recognising the importance of environmental stewardship and the imperative to mitigate the impacts of climate change.”
Through embracing green technologies, renewable energy and sustainable practices, the region could achieve industrial growth while safeguarding its natural resources for future generations.
He called on delegates to foster collaboration, research and development and technology transfer for SADC to leapfrog into the realms of advanced manufacturing, smart industries and high-value-added production.
In an interview from his exhibition stand, Malawi Investment and Trade Centre chief executive officer, Mr Paul Kwengwere, said they were in Harare for the Industrialisation Week to showcase some of the products made in Malawi and also to look for more investors.
“We are looking forward to more development through the Industrialisation Week. We are looking forward to more manufacturers in Malawi and it is an area we are prioritising as the investment promotion body and we have lots of products which we know Zimbabweans love; Kilombero rice, is one of them and you can get it from our stand here.
“We are happy to be here so that we can see the success of the industrialisation week,” said Mr Kwengwere.
The 7th Annual SADC Industrialisation Week is being hosted by Zimbabwe in partnership with the SADC Secretariat, SADC Business Council and the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries.
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