The 44th Southern African Development Community (Sadc) Summit opened in Harare on Saturday with calls for more innovation, economic integration, and regional stability.
In his introductory remarks, Sadc executive secretary Elias Magosi outlined the critical issues facing the block such as the need for unity and concerted efforts to unlock the region’s economic potential.
The summit is being held under the theme: “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustained Economic Growth and Development towards an Industrialised Sadc.”
"This theme provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of our region and accelerate progress on our industrialization agenda," Magosi said.
He said one of the major challenges was the low levels of intra-regional trade, which currently stand at just 23%.
Maggosi attributed this to persistent non-tariff barriers, despite the region having zero import duty on 85% of products traded among member states.
"It is imperative to rededicate our collective efforts to implement measures to reduce these barriers and promote intra-regional cooperation and integration," he said.
Magosi also announced a significant development in expanding Sadc's market reach beyond the region.
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The agreement establishing the Tripartite Free Trade Area among Comesa, the East African Community (EAC), and Sadc came into force in July 2024.
This agreement opens up a larger market of 26 countries with a population of about 700 million and a gross domestic product of one trillion US dollars.
"This is a key milestone in the promotion of intra-African trade and enhancement of economic integration in the tripartite area," he said.
On the topic of peace and security, Magosi praised the Sadc region for remaining a beacon of stability despite challenges.
He highlighted the deployment of the Sadc Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) and its role in supporting the DRC government to restore peace.
He also noted the successful conclusion of the Sadc Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) in Cabo Delgado, which paved the way forthe return of over 600,000 internally displaced persons.
Acknowledging the severe impact of the 2023/24 El Niño phenomenon on the region, Magosi reported that 67.7 million people, representing more than 17% of the regional population, had been affected.
He expressed gratitude to outgoing Sadc chairperson and Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço for his swift action in convening an Extraordinary Summit to address the humanitarian crisis.
Magosi also highlighted the launch of a US$5.5 billion regional humanitarian appeal to support disaster recovery efforts.
Addressing the financial needs of the region, Magosi called for the operationalisation of the Sadc Regional Development Fund (RDF) to finance critical infrastructure and development programmes.
"Without adequate resources, our efforts to industrialize, integrate our economies, and unlock the region’s full potential will stall," he warned.
He urged member states to sign and ratify the RDF Agreement.
The Sadc leaders are expected to deliberate on these critical issues that will shape the future of the region and ensure that the outcomes positively impact the lives of its citizens.
