Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo in ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday witnessed the official opening of the Madagascar Highway, which stretches from Ivato International Airport into the capital, Antananarivo, at the invitation of his counterpart, President Andry Rajoelina.
The event, held here a day after President Mnangagwa formally handed over the SADC Chairmanship to President Rajoelina during the 45th Summit of Heads of State and Government, was also attended by Eswatini’s King Mswati III, Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane, and SADC Executive Secretary Mr Elias Magosi.
The invitation to witness the launch reflected recognition of President Mnangagwa’s leadership during his tenure as SADC Chairperson, which emphasised regional integration, peace, industrialisation and food security, with a particular focus on infrastructure as a driver of economic growth.
President Mnangagwa arrives for the official opening of a newly constructed highway from the capital to the airport in Antananarivo Madagascar yesterday. Picture Presidential Photographer Joseph Nyadzayo.
The Madagascar Highway is part of a 260-kilometre road linking Antananarivo and the port city of Toamasina and demonstrates how modern infrastructure can boost trade, improve connectivity and strengthen regional economies.
In his keynote address at the 45th SADC Summit, President Mnangagwa urged member states to accelerate infrastructure development in their countries, noting that regional integration depends on the ability to move people, goods, capital and services across borders efficiently.
“The integration we envisage heavily depends on our ability to develop infrastructure, which facilitates the free movement of people, capital, goods and services across our borders,” said the President.
“Major milestones have been recorded in implementing high-impact regional infrastructure projects.
“The full potential of our regional bloc has, regrettably, been largely inhibited by budgetary constraints.”
President Mnangagwa also said the SADC Regional Development Fund (RDF) is a key vehicle to finance critical infrastructure.
President Mnangagwa encouraged member states to explore alternative financing, including leveraging partnerships with the private sector and diaspora communities, to support infrastructure projects.
“In this regard, let us not shy-away from tapping into partnerships with the private sector, our diaspora and other non-traditional sources,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also said the SADC Regional Development Fund (RDF) is a key vehicle to finance critical infrastructure.
While Zimbabwe has already deposited its ratification instruments, around 44 percent of member states have yet to do so.
“I am pleased to report that Zimbabwe has ratified the Protocol.
“However, the number of ratifications remains far below the threshold required.
“The need to expedite internal processes on this matter, within our respective jurisdiction, is essential to drive progress,” the President said.
Also speaking on the RDF, Mr Magosi said once operational, the fund is expected to support member states’ infrastructure development and industrialisation efforts, as well as other initiatives.
“The SADC Development Fund continues to play a crucial role in our collective efforts to strengthen financial independence and build sustainable regional development,” he said.
Following his engagements in Madagascar, President Mnangagwa yesterday departed for Japan to participate in the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), continuing efforts to strengthen Zimbabwe’s international partnerships for development.
