SOUTHERN African leaders converged in Harare for the 44th Ordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (Sadc), outlining a bold vision for the region's future.
Centered on the theme Promoting Innovation to unlock opportunities for sustained economic growth and development towards an Industrialised Sadc, the summit underscored the bloc's commitment to harnessing innovation as a catalyst for prosperity.
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa assumed the Sadc chair, succeeding his Angolan counterpart, João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, who was commended for his leadership in advancing the previous year's focus on human and financial capital as drivers of industrialisation.
A cornerstone of the summit was the endorsement of the new theme, which recognises innovation's pivotal role in driving key sectors like manufacturing, mineral beneficiation, and agro-processing.
By fostering innovation, Sadc aims to accelerate industrialisation and unlock new economic opportunities for its member states.
In a significant step towards regional economic integration, leaders noted the entry into force of the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFCA) on July 25, 2024.
This landmark agreement, uniting the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, the East African Community, and Sadc, creates a vast market of over 700 million people with a combined GDP of US$1 trillion.
The TFCA is expected to stimulate trade, investment, and job creation across the region.
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Security and political stability remained high on the agenda. The Sadc leaders commended the successful conclusion of the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM), which was deployed to combat insurgency in Cabo Delgado province.
The bloc reiterated its unwavering support to Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo in addressing security challenges.
To further bolster peace efforts in the eastern, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the summit endorsed the establishment of a special representative of Sadc and head of mission of SAMIDRC.
Leaders also commended Angola's mediation efforts through the Luanda Process, which seeks to find a lasting solution to the conflict. Demonstrating its commitment to human rights, the bloc adopted the Sadc Declaration on the Protection of Persons
with Albinism. The declaration outlines measures to address the challenges faced by this marginalised group, reflecting the bloc's determination to promote inclusivity and equality.
The summit also addressed public health concerns, particularly the mpox outbreak. Leaders directed the secretariat to convene an urgent meeting of health ministers to assess the situation and coordinate a regional response.
As the region prepares for a series of elections, Sadc called for peaceful and credible polls, while commending countries that had successfully held elections.
The bloc also urged member states to adhere to democratic principles and respect the will of the people.
Recognising the importance of regional integration, the summit encouraged member states to accelerate the process by acceding to Sadc legal instruments. This move aims to strengthen cooperation and create a more unified regional bloc.
As Zimbabwe assumed the chairmanship, the bloc expressed gratitude for the country's hosting of the summit and pledged to work together to advance regional integration, economic development, and peace.
President Mnangagawa expressed his commitment to leading the region towards a prosperous and secure future. The next Sadc summit will be held in Madagascar.
Key outcomes of the 44th Sadc Summit
- Adoption of a new theme focused on innovation and industrialisation.
- Entry into force of the Tripartite Free Trade Area.
- Commendation of the successful conclusion of the SAMIM mission.
- Endorsement of the establishment of a special representative for the DRC.
- Adoption of the SADC Declaration on the Protection of Persons with Albinism.
- Call for urgent action on the mpox outbreak. Emphasis on peaceful and credible elections.
- Encouragement to accelerate regional integration through legal instruments
The 44th Sadc Summit has set a clear path for the region, prioritising innovation, economic growth, regional integration, and peace and security.
As Sadc moves forward, the implementation of these decisions will be crucial in realising the bloc's vision of a prosperous and united Southern Africa.
- Denhere is an investigative journalist. WhatsApp +263773894985
- Email enosdenhere@gmail.com
