Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo
Herald Reporter
Zimbabwe is participating at the 8th SADC Industrialisation Week (SIW) which kicked off in Madagascar yesterday, ahead of the 45th SADC Summit of Heads of State, which will see President Mnangagwa passing on the reigns to his Madagascan counterpart Andry Rajoelina next month.
The 8th edition of the SIW is being held under the theme; “Promoting Industrialisation, Agricultural System Transformation and Energy Transition for a resilient SADC”.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Mr Nick Mangwana said a number of Zimbabwean companies, including ZimTrade, are exhibiting at the five-day event.
“The 8th SADC Industrialisation Week (SIW 2025) has kicked off in Antananarivo, Madagascar, at the Novotel.
“It will run from July 28 to August 1, 2025.
“Zimbabwe is participating in the SADC Industrialisation Week. Companies exhibiting at the SIW include ZimTrade, Nyanga crafts, Legacy Mushrooms, Entrepreneurs Network Association of Zimbabwe, Concord young women in business and US- Africa Trade Commission,” wrote the Permanent Secretary on his official X handle.
According to SADC’s calendar, the 45th Summit of Heads of State will be preceded by the meeting of the finance committee on August 10, Council of Ministers meeting on August 12, SADC-US Ministerial Dialogue on August 13, a Public Lecture on August 14 and the Organ Troika MCO Meeting and Organ Troika Summit on August 15.
According to Madagascan media reports, a State Dinner will be held on August 16 ahead of the Summit the following day.
The SADC Secretariat team led by Deputy Executive Secretary for Cooperate Affairs Dr Judith Kateera was in Madagascar for a final preparatory meeting ahead of the meeting of Heads of State and Government.
In a communiqué, SADC said it was assessing Madagascar’s state of preparedness as only a few weeks were left.
“The delegation of the Secretariat of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) led by the Deputy Executive Secretary for Cooperate Affairs, Dr Judith Kateera is in Madagascar for the final preparatory Mission ahead of the SADC Heads of State and Government Summit scheduled for August 2025.
“The purpose of the visit was to discuss the state of preparedness of the Republic of Madagascar for the Summit scheduled for August 2025,” said the Secretariat.
Key to the assessment mission was a visit to the airport and hotels for accommodation, to determine their readiness.
Dr Kateera’s team provided guidance on areas needing improvement and expressed confidence that everything would be in place on time.
“For her part, the Deputy Executive Secretary Dr Kateera expressed her gratitude for the good work put in the preparations for the Summit.
“She expressed her confidence that Madagascar is ready to deliver a successful event.
“Furthermore, the Deputy Executive Secretary and her delegation will also meet with the Minister of Finance.
“The Republic of Madagascar will host the 45th Summit of Heads of State and Government where Madagascar will become the SADC Chair for a period of one year until August 2026,” said SADC.
The Secretariat delegation also paid a courtesy call on Madagascar Minister of Foreign Affairs Rafaravavitafika Rasata who commended the regional body for the commitment and dedication in working with her country to ensure that it delivers a successful Summit.
“She reiterated the country’s commitment and readiness to deliver a successful Summit meeting,” said the SADC Secretariat.
According to Madagascar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 350 officials are expected in the Malagasy capital for the Summit.
