DURBAN: THE Southern African Development Community (SADC) has urged member states to accelerate the implementation of the industrialisation agenda by investing in value addition of raw materials and improving infrastructure, a move aimed at promoting trade, employment and the well-being of citizens across the region. The call was made by SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi while officially opening the 9th SADC Industrialisation Week (SADC Industrialisation Week 2026), being held at the Durban International Convention Centre in South Africa. Magosi said the SADC region possesses abundant resources in agriculture, mining and energy, which should be used as a foundation for building industrial economies instead of continuing to export raw materials without adding value.
He stressed that industrial development cannot be achieved without close cooperation among governments, the private sector, financial institutions and development partners. “Such cooperation will help attract investment, enhance the competitiveness of products produced within the region and strengthen intra-SADC trade, a step that will promote inclusive economic growth that benefits all citizens,” Magosi said. He further urged member states to invest in energy, transport, information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, as well as promote innovation to strengthen industrial production capacity.
ALSO READ: Why TZ must turn SADC industrialisation week into an investment revolution Magosi also highlighted the importance of empowering women and young people to actively participate in production activities and industrial entrepreneurship in order to expand economic opportunities across the region. This year’s SADC Industrialisation Week is being held under the theme: “Promoting Strong, Sustainable and Inclusive Industrialisation through Infrastructure Development, Agricultural Transformation and Mineral Resources for a Just World.” The theme aims to encourage the effective utilisation of available resources in member states to build competitive economies capable of withstanding economic challenges and the impacts of climate change. The five-day meeting brings together government leaders, private sector representatives, investors, experts and development partners from SADC member states.
The meeting is expected to produce recommendations aimed at strengthening industrial competitivene…
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