African countries should take advantage of the youth potential in the region for innovation, industrialization, peace, and socio-economic growth, as stated by Heads of state and leaders during the opening session of the 44th Ordinary of Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit of Heads of State and Government in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The Summit’s theme is “Promoting Innovation to unlock opportunities for sustained economic growth and development towards an industrialized SADC.”
In his acceptance speech as the incoming SADC chair, Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, highlighted the importance of Southern African countries harnessing innovation potential to maximize value from natural resources and accelerate development.
“We must ensure that youth and entrepreneurs, including women, embrace technology and innovation revolution for development,” said Mr. Mnangagwa.
The Zimbabwe president emphasized the importance of developing innovative strategies across sectors to stay ahead of the fourth industrial revolution and build sustainable prosperity.
“Unity and solidarity among Southern African countries are crucial for achieving these goals,” he said, adding that countries should implement initiatives under innovation hub programs to transform livelihoods and economies.
Highlighting the importance of the region’s collective action, he mentioned the need for adaptive measures to address the impacts of climate change.
Speaking at the Summit, Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), mentioned that SADC can lead Africa in homegrown solutions in domestic resource mobilization and innovative financing to combat climate impacts and sustain development.
Touching on the vast opportunities in the region, he noted that SADC is home to significant natural resources and agricultural endowments, and scaling up regional value chains could lead to sustainable industrialization, food security, increased jobs, and skills to reduce poverty and inequalities.
He emphasized the need for rapid industrialization, leveraging technology and innovation for sustainable industrialization, underpinned by regional cooperation and partnerships to unlock economic growth opportunities in SADC.
“We have no choice but to look inward for homegrown solutions, including domestic resource mobilization and innovative financing for climate to sustain our development,” he said.
Each SADC country can be a cluster leader of innovation and breakthroughs, and ECA stands ready to partner with you on this journey,” said the Executive Secretary.
President João Lourenço of the Republic of Angola, the outgoing SADC Chair, highlighted the progress made by the region in various sectors, including energy, transport, water resources, and internet coverage.
He urged member states to continue investing in energy infrastructure, adopt sustainable practices to promote economic development, simplify regional movement of people and goods, and maintain peace and security in the region.
President Nangolo Mbumba of Namibia stressed the importance of prioritizing peace, security, and governance to achieve innovation and economic growth goals in the region.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by the region and emphasized the need for countries to work together to build a prosperous future for all SADC citizens.
SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi highlighted the low level of intra-regional trade within the region due to non-tariff barriers and emphasized the need to reduce these barriers and promote cooperation to benefit from the region’s youth population for economic growth and development through new technologies and innovation.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).