Staff Reporter
The newly appointed Chairperson of the SADC Council of Ministers, Ambassador Frederick Shava, has committed to steering the regional body with a focus on promoting innovation and unlocking opportunities for sustained economic growth.
In his acceptance speech at the 44th SADC Summit, held at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden, Minister Shava emphasized the importance of the summit’s theme: "Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustained Economic Growth and Development towards an Industrialised SADC."
Ambassador Shava outlined the need for rigorous implementation of the regional agenda, stating that SADC’s future hinges on fostering innovation and creating sustainable economic opportunities for both present and future generations.
He called on Member States to continue their cooperation in driving SADC’s regional development plan, which is underpinned by the critical pillars of peace, security, and good governance.
“As we move forward, it is essential that we implement this theme with the urgency it deserves. Innovation is key to unlocking the potential of our region, and we must work collectively to achieve sustainable industrialisation and economic growth,” Minister Shava said.
The outgoing Chairperson of the Council of Ministers, Ambassador Téte António, reflected on the progress made over the past year under the 43rd SADC Summit theme: "Human and Financial Capital: The Key Drivers for Sustainable Industrialisation in the SADC Region."
He noted that significant strides were made in regional cooperation, integration, and development, particularly in strengthening the region’s human capital.
Ambassador António highlighted the importance of a well-educated and skilled workforce in driving the SADC industrialisation agenda.
He urged the region to expedite the operationalization of the SADC University of Transformation, which aims to enhance the quality and relevance of education, align it with national priorities, and increase the supply of critical skills for the labour market.
Ambassador António also called for the rapid establishment of the SADC Regional Development Fund to support these initiatives.
In addressing the region’s humanitarian challenges, Ambassador António praised the development and launch of the Regional Humanitarian Appeal, which seeks to raise at least US$5.5 million to assist countries affected by the El Niño-induced drought and floods.
The appeal was launched by the outgoing Chairperson of SADC, Angola’s President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, in May last year.
SADC Executive Secretary, Elias Magosi, commended Zimbabwe for its long-standing commitment to the SADC industrialisation agenda, tracing its efforts back to the 34th SADC Summit in 2014, which was held in Victoria Falls.
He congratulated Zimbabwe for successfully hosting the 7th SADC Industrialisation Week from July 28 to August 2, 2024, which attracted over 3 500 participants from across the region, Africa, and beyond.
Magosi underscored the importance of regional solidarity in promoting peace and security, which he described as essential for sustainable development.
He highlighted the deployment of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) in December 2023 as a testament to the region’s commitment to achieving lasting peace.
“The work we do here is critical for the future of our region. We must continue to develop value chains that capitalise on our competitive advantages, unlocking opportunities for economic growth and job creation,” Magosi stated.
As Dr. Shava takes over the leadership of the Council of Ministers, SADC members are optimistic that his guidance will help propel the region toward achieving its industrialisation and development goals, all while maintaining a focus on innovation and sustainable growth.
