The 44th SADC Summit, which concluded this weekend in Harare, has been hailed as a pivotal moment in the region’s pursuit of economic transformation. The Summit, themed “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustainable Economic Growth and Development towards an Industrialised SADC,” underscored the crucial role of innovation in driving the region’s progress. In his inaugural address as the newly appointed SADC Chairman, President Emmerson Mnangagwa laid out a visionary roadmap that emphasizes leveraging innovation, technology, and human capital to propel the region toward industrialization, sustainable growth, and improved quality of life.
President Mnangagwa’s address highlighted the vital importance of innovation as a catalyst for economic transformation and development, aligning with the Summit’s theme. He underscored the necessity of harnessing SADC’s technological potential and optimizing its human capital to foster modernization and industrialization. By enhancing goods and services through value addition and beneficiating natural resources, the region can unlock significant economic opportunities, ultimately elevating the standard of living for its citizens.
The President also shared Zimbabwe’s progress in establishing innovation hubs at state universities, which have led to significant advancements in skills development and competency building. He emphasized Zimbabwe’s commitment to embracing technology and innovation, particularly focusing on empowering youth, entrepreneurs, and women to drive sustainable growth and development. This commitment serves as a model for the region, demonstrating how targeted investments in innovation can yield tangible benefits.
Furthermore, President Mnangagwa called for targeted collaboration in the ICT sector to promote SADC’s collective interests and reduce the digital divide. He urged the region’s leadership to create a conducive environment that facilitates prosperity and maximizes the potential of its citizens. By fostering such an environment, SADC can ensure that innovation not only drives economic growth but also contributes to social equity and inclusivity.
In conclusion, President Mnangagwa asserted that the path to a modernized and industrialized SADC is paved with innovation, collaboration, and collective determination. He emphasized that by harnessing the region’s vast potential and fostering inclusive growth, SADC can unlock a brighter future. This future, he noted, would be driven by innovation, powered by the people of the region, and built on the foundations of unity, prosperity, and sustainable development.
