Sadc Industrialisation Week begins Sunday

Tanyaradzwa Rusike

LOCAL companies will get the opportunity to showcase their products and forge new partnerships in the region during the SADC Industrialisation Week (SIW) that commences on Sunday, Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu has said.

President Mnangagwa will officially open the event. The SIW, which is a precursor to the main SADC summit, will run from July 28 to August 2. In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Minister Ndlovu said: “This conference provides a platform for member states to update each other on their industrialisation efforts. It’s an opportunity for Zimbabwe to benchmark against leading economies in the region and showcase the strides we have made.”

The week-long event will feature an investment conference, allowing local companies to connect with potential investors from across SADC and beyond.

This paves the way for lucrative investment deals and increased exports of Zimbabwean products.

Minister Ndlovu said: “Furthermore, the event will allow for local products to be showcased to potential markets within the SADC region for increased exports. In addition, there will be an investment conference that will be held on the sidelines of the SADC Industrialisation Week, where local players will have an opportunity to forge investment deals with counterparts in the region and beyond.

“Local companies will be able to participate within regional value chains, benefiting from wider market and reliable supply chains for raw materials and equipment.”

Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga is expected to be the guest of honour at the investment conference.

Minister Ndlovu said deliberations at the week-long event will touch on various topics on promotion of industrialisation, innovation and value chain development for regional integration.

“Issues on promotion of entrepreneurship for youths and women, as well as aspects of the circular economy, will be up for discussion. Business-to-business networking will also be facilitated for private sector and potential investors who will be gracing the event.

‘‘The event will conclude with visits to selected companies to showcase our industrialisation progress as a country. These companies have been selected along value chains, as well as export potential.”