Staff Reporter
President Mnangagwa officially assumed the chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) at the 44th Ordinary SADC Summit in Harare today, urging member states to embrace innovation as a catalyst for regional economic transformation and industrialization.
In his acceptance speech, President Mnangagwa expressed gratitude to his predecessor, President João Lourenço of Angola, for his "astute and visionary leadership" over the past year.
President Mnangagwa acknowledged the challenges faced by the region but commended President Lourenço for ensuring that the SADC’s integration agenda remained on course.
"I take over the mantle of Chairperson of SADC with humility and grace. I look forward to your invaluable support as we continue to work towards the benefit of our SADC citizens,” said President Mnangagwa.
The President urged member states to leverage their human capital and natural resources to drive industrialization, highlighting the urgency of value addition and beneficiation of the region's rich mineral resources.
"The time is now; we must realize maximum value from our God-given rich natural endowments. Our SADC bloc cannot afford to fall behind in the new and fast-changing frontier of science, technology, and innovation," President Mnangagwa declared.
President Mnangagwa also stressed the need for inclusive development, particularly through the empowerment of youth and women.
"The need to ensure that our youth and entrepreneurs, including women, fully embrace the technology and innovation revolution should be one of our key priorities," he added.
Addressing the persistent challenges of climate change, President Mnangagwa called for increased investment in transformative agriculture and food systems to enhance the region's resilience.
He also emphasized the importance of expanding energy infrastructure with a focus on renewable energy, citing Zimbabwe's own efforts in broadening its energy mix through projects like the Geo-Pomona Waste Management Plant.
In a strong message of regional solidarity, President Mnangagwa called on SADC members to continue standing together in the face of external pressures and sanctions.
"We strongly condemn the use of sanctions and other coercive measures as a foreign policy tool," he stated, reaffirming Zimbabwe's commitment to dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts.
The President paid tribute to the founding fathers of SADC and their vision for a united, independent, and prosperous region.
"The democracy, independence, and freedom being enjoyed by the peoples of the region were paid for through the sweat, tears, and blood of yesteryear heroes and heroines. We have a sacred duty to honour them by jealously guarding and defending our sovereignty and right to economic self-determination,” added the President.
This year’s summit theme, "Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustainable Economic Growth and Development towards an Industrialised SADC," underscored the pivotal role of technology and innovation in the region's future.
As SADC members look to the year ahead, the new chairperson's vision of an industrialized and self-reliant Southern Africa will be a focal point for regional collaboration and development.
