Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa has assumed the chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), promising a raft of measures to ensure sustainable development in the regional economic community.
Mnangagwa made these remarks at the opening of the 44th SADC Summit, held in Harare on Saturday. He emphasised the importance of deploying innovative strategies, across all sectors of the SADC economies to accelerate the realisation of the region’s collective development.
Mnangagwa also called for the end of the war in Palestine and appealed for the respect of UN Resolutions on the Two State solution. Similarly, he said the independence of the peoples of Western Saharawi is long overdue. He highlighted the critical need for the member states to strengthen partnerships and collaborations, both within the region and globally, to address the myriad challenges facing SADC nations. In his address, Mnangagwa pointed out the necessity of fostering an inclusive approach that prioritizes the voices and needs of all citizens, particularly marginalized communities.
The President underscored the importance of leveraging technology and innovation as key drivers of economic transformation, urging member states to invest in research and development. He emphasized that a robust education system and skill development are essential for empowering the youth, who represent a significant proportion of the workforce.
Mnangagwa also stressed the threat posed by climate change, calling for a unified response to promote sustainable practices that protect the environment and ensure food security. He urged for continued investment in renewable energy sources as a pathway to achieve energy independence and resilience across the region.
As the summit progressed, various leaders echoed Mnangagwa’s sentiments, pledging their commitment to working collaboratively towards the integration and enhancement of the SADC community. They agreed on the need to tackle issues such as poverty alleviation, gender equality, and access to healthcare as part of a broader strategy to uplift the socio-economic conditions of their people.
The President concluded his speech by reaffirming SADC’s dedication to promoting peace and stability, not only within its borders but also in neighbouring regions. He called on all member states to uphold their collective responsibilities and work towards a peaceful and prosperous Southern Africa for future generations.