Online Reporter
Richard Muponde
Zimpapers Politics Hub
THE Southern African Development Community (SADC) has intensified its continental economic diplomacy offensive, with Executive Secretary Elias Magosi leading a high-level regional delegation to the Africa Forward Summit Business Forum currently underway in Nairobi, Kenya.
The summit, running from May 10 to 12 under the theme “Africa Forward: Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth,” has brought together policymakers, investors, industrial leaders and development partners from across Africa and beyond to explore new pathways for economic transformation, industrialisation and sustainable development.
In a statement, SADC Secretariat Head of Communication Ms Barbra Lopi said the regional bloc’s participation demonstrates Southern Africa’s determination to position itself at the centre of Africa’s economic resurgence through stronger partnerships, expanded trade and accelerated industrial growth.
“SADC’s participation in the Africa Forward Summit reflects the region’s continued commitment to advancing regional integration, industrialisation, infrastructure development and private sector-led growth as outlined in the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020-2030,” said Ms Lopi.
She said the business forum provides a strategic platform for SADC to market the region’s vast economic potential and strengthen cooperation with international stakeholders seeking investment opportunities in Africa.
“The Summit provides an important opportunity for SADC to strengthen partnerships with international stakeholders, attract investment into regional value chains, and promote the region as a competitive investment and trade destination,” she said.
The forum is hosting strategic discussions on agro-industry, logistics, digital infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, entrepreneurship and creative industries, sectors regarded as critical to unlocking Africa’s industrial competitiveness and employment creation.
Ms Lopi said SADC remains one of Africa’s most attractive investment destinations due to its large integrated market of 16 member states with a combined population exceeding 390 million people, abundant natural resources and expanding infrastructure corridors linking ports, markets and industrial hubs.
She added that ongoing implementation of the SADC Free Trade Area, coupled with regional peace, stability and policy harmonisation, continues to create favourable conditions for increased intra-African trade and foreign direct investment.
Through its participation at the summit, SADC is expected to deepen continental integration efforts while advancing a shared vision of a prosperous, industrialised and globally competitive Africa-@muponderichard
