ZIMTRADE has urged Zimbabwean businesses to take advantage of the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) Industrialisation Week and exhibition slated for this month to forge strategic partnerships.
Running from July 28 to August 2 in Zimbabwe, the upcoming programme offers a prime platform for companies to connect with industry peers, explore mutually beneficial partnerships, and tap into the vast Sadc market, the trade development and promotion body said.
By leveraging this event, ZimTrade said local businesses can showcase their offerings, foster regional collaborations and contribute to the country’s economic development.
“Since its debut in August 2016, Southern African Development Community Industrialisation Week and exhibition has been instrumental in promoting regional economic growth, co-operation and knowledge exchange,” the organisation said in its latest report.
The programme convenes annually, ahead of the Sadc Summit of Heads of State and government, aimed at fostering new opportunities for intra-African trade, developing cross border value chains and identifying investment opportunities in Southern Africa.
It brings together leading private sector experts, regional and global policy makers, development finance institutions, Sadc officials, donors, civil society and leading industrialists and captains of industry in Sadc and on the continent to identify investment opportunities, industrialisation bottlenecks and jointly recommend solutions.
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“The activities undertaken during the week are in line with promoting innovation to unlock opportunities for sustainable economic growth and development towards an industrialised Sadc,” it said.
“Local companies can expect an array of activities during SIW [Sadc industrialisation week and exhibition] including, an annual business conference organised by the Sadc Business Council, representing the private sector to precede the dialogue for developing and submitting a declaration, which is the basis for engagement with ministers or heads of State.”
Also included will be seminars and workshops, exhibitions for over 90 Sadc companies and 100 local companies, as well as structured business meetings and company visits.
“The sectors targeted for the SIW, include mineral beneficiation; agro processing; pharmaceuticals; fast moving consumer goods; infrastructure and logistics [to support trade and investment]; light manufacturing and the automotive; and financial services,” ZimTrade said.
“The SIW will also seek to popularise the Sadc industrialisation strategy and identify industrialisation projects that can be implemented jointly by the public and private sectors within the Sadc member states, formulating practical next steps, which will involve kick-starting private sector-led working groups, projects, and programmes.”
ZimTrade said the programme acts as a prime exhibition space, allowing businesses to connect with a vast audience of potential buyers and distributors.
“This exposure can open doors to new markets within the Sadc region, significantly expanding your customer base and driving sales. Additionally, attending industry conferences and workshops provides valuable insights into regional trends and consumer preferences,” the organisation said.
“This knowledge empowers local exporters to tailor their offerings to better meet market demands, enhancing your competitive edge. Beyond immediate sales opportunities, the SIW fosters valuable networking connections.
“These connections can lead to strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and access to crucial funding sources. This prestigious event also brings together a diverse range of stakeholders, from leading regional and global policymakers to industry experts and potential investors.”
The programme also identifies industrialisation projects that can be implemented jointly by the public and private sectors within the Sadc member states, formulating practical next steps which will involve kick-starting private sector-led working groups, projects, and programmes.