malvernmugadzikwa
Tapiwanashe Mangwiro
Senior Business Reporter
AS Zimbabwe assumed the chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), local economic groups are urging the nation to play a leading role in the implementation of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020-2030, particularly in industrial development and market integration.
Despite the RISDP’s ambitious targets to enhance industrialisation and boost regional economic growth, the plan is yet to be fully activated, four years after its adoption. Economic experts are now calling on Zimbabwe to utilise its leadership position to reinvigorate this crucial initiative.
The RISDP 2020-2030 outlines SADC’s commitment to deepening integration within the region, focusing on key areas such as trade facilitation, investment, infrastructure development and industrialisation.
Through the promotion of these objectives, SADC seeks to achieve a diversified, competitive and sustainable economic base, ultimately improving the livelihoods of its citizens. However, delays in implementation have hindered progress, leaving many of the plan’s ambitious goals unfulfilled.
Industrial development is a cornerstone of the RISDP, with the strategy emphasising value addition and beneficiation of natural resources, modernisation of infrastructure and enhancement of the region’s manufacturing capacity.
Market integration, another critical component, seeks to eliminate trade barriers, harmonise policies and create a more conducive environment for businesses within the regional bloc.
Economic Association of Zimbabwe president Mr Simbai Mangwende emphasised the urgent need for Zimbabwe, as SADC chair, to prioritise the activation of the RISDP’s industrial and market integration goals.
He stated: “Zimbabwe’s leadership presents an opportunity to break the current inertia. We must champion the cause of regional integration by pushing for the implementation of the RISDP. The success of this plan is not just about policy; it’s about real, actionable steps that will translate into job creation, economic growth and shared prosperity across the region.”
Mr Mangwende said industrialisation of the region was critical for SADC member states to compete effectively in the global market. With the right policies, he said, Southern Africa could become a manufacturing hub that adds value to its natural resources, rather than being a mere exporter of raw materials.
“Our focus should be on building industries that can produce finished goods, thus retaining more value within our economies,” he said.
Echoing Mr Mangwende’s sentiments, industrialist Dr Jeffrey Dozva stressed that Zimbabwe’s chairmanship should not only be symbolic but must be marked by decisive actions that drive industrial growth.
“The region is rich in resources, yet we continue to lag in industrial output.
“There needs to be a coordinated effort to modernise our industries, invest in technology and upskill our workforce. By doing so, we can significantly increase our export capacity and reduce our dependence on imports,” Dr Dozva said.
He added that industrial development should be inclusive, encompassing both large-scale industries, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“SMEs are the backbone of our economies, and any industrialisation strategy should incorporate support for these businesses. They are pivotal in creating jobs and stimulating economic activity at the grassroots level.”
Zimbabwe Small Businesses Association spokesperson Ms Angela Tinavapi underscored the importance of supporting SMEs as part of the broader SADC industrialisation strategy. She called for greater access to finance, markets and technology for small businesses, which she believes are essential drivers of economic growth.
“SMEs have the potential to transform our economies, but they need the right environment to thrive. We need policies that remove barriers, provide access to finance and support market linkages within the region,” she said.
Ms Tinavapi also suggested that the RISDP should include specific provisions to support cross-border trade for small businesses, facilitating easier movement of goods and services.
“Regional market integration should benefit all players, big and small. This means creating platforms that allow SMEs to participate in regional supply chains and access new markets,” she added.
As the new SADC chair, Zimbabwe is positioned to steer the region towards a path of industrial development and market integration that can bring about sustainable economic growth.
The success of the RISDP will depend on the collective will of member states to move beyond rhetoric and commit themselves to concrete actions that will reshape the region’s economic landscape.
Online Reporter