Regional leaders gather in Durban for SADC industrialisation talks

The Southern Africa regional industrialisation programme will this week come under the spotlight atthe 9th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Industrialisation Week which kicked off in Durban on Monday. Bringing together government leaders, business executives, investors and development partners to chart a path for economic growth and regional integration. the gathering is held annually by SADC host nations The five-day event, which is being held at the Chief Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, will serve as a key precursor to the 46th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, expected to take place in the city next week.

This year’s programme will be held under the theme, “Resilient, Sustainable and Inclusive Industrialisation through Infrastructure Development, Agricultural and Critical Minerals Transformation in Pursuit of a Just World.” According to South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, discussions will focus on accelerating industrialisation through stronger regional cooperation while positioning Southern Africa to benefit from growing global demand for value-added products rather than relying on exports of raw materials. Among the key issues expected to dominate discussions are the development of regional value chains in agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods and critical minerals beneficiation. Delegates will also examine ways of improving infrastructure in the energy, transport, logistics, water and information and communications technology sectors to support industrial expansion. Investment mobilisation, industrial partnerships and the empowerment of women and young entrepreneurs are also expected to feature prominently, alongside discussions on innovation, digital transformation and improving the competitiveness of businesses across the region.