President Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa and Chairperson of SADC, has called on SADC Member States to harness the region’s mineral, agricultural, energy and human resources to drive industrialisation, strengthen regional integration and reduce dependence on external markets.
Speaking at the SADC public lecture in Durban, Ramaphosa emphasised the need to move from aspiration to action by strengthening regional value chains, removing barriers to intra-SADC trade, investing in integrated infrastructure and mobilising regional financing.
He also called for greater productive capacity in pharmaceuticals, digital technology and agriculture, while stressing the importance of empowering women and youth and strengthening peace, security, good governance and climate resilience.
H.E. Mr Elias Magosi, SADC Executive Secretary, reinforced the implementation agenda, emphasising that Vision 2050 must translate into tangible outcomes in infrastructure, industrialisation, regional value chains, employment, energy, food security and improved livelihoods.
Honourable Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, placed the discussions within the context of a rapidly changing global environment characterised by intensifying geopolitical competition, trade tensions, climate and health threats, and growing competition for Africa’s resources.
The public lecture, held ahead of the 46th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, brought together political leaders, SADC institutions, academia, business, civil society, traditional and community leaders, women and youth to reflect on translating SADC Vision 2050 into tangible results for the people of Southern Africa.
Discover more from Newsroom Kenya
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
