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| The Manager of Research and Business from TIB Development Bank, Dr. Hilderbrand Shayo, presents a gift to the Director General of the Fair Competition Commission (FCC) of Tanzania, Ms. Khadija Juma Ngasongwa, when she visited the Tanzania Pavilion at the exhibitions taking place alongside the 9th SADC Industrialisation Week 2026 at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban, South Africa. |
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has called on its member states to accelerate the implementation of the industrial development agenda by investing in adding value to raw materials and strengthening infrastructure to boost trade, employment, and the prosperity of the region's citizens.
This call was made by SADC Executive Secretary, Mr. Elias Magosi, during the official opening of the Ninth (9th) SADC Industrialisation Week 2026, taking place at the Durban International Convention Centre in South Africa.
The SADC region is endowed with abundant agricultural, mineral, and energy resources, which are expected to serve as the foundation for building strong industrial economies in Africa.
"The need for industrial development cannot be achieved without close cooperation between governments, the private sector, financial institutions, and development partners."he said
"Cooperation will help attract investment, enhance the competitiveness of the region's products, and strengthen intra-SADC trade, a move that will spur inclusive and beneficial economic growth for all citizens," he added.
The member states agreed to invest in energy, transport, ICT, and innovation infrastructure, as well as to empower women and youth to actively participate in productive activities and industrial entrepreneurship.
The SADC Industrialisation Week is held under the theme: "Fostering Robust, Sustainable, and Inclusive Industrialisation through Infrastructure Development, Agricultural and Mineral Transformation for a Just World," emphasising the use of resources available in member states to build competitive and resilient economies capable of withstanding economic shocks and climate change.
The five-day conference, bringing together government leaders, the private sector, investors, experts, and development stakeholders from SADC member states, is expected to produce recommendations that will help strengthen the industrial competitiveness of SADC countries, attract new investment, and add value to agricultural and mineral products. This forms part of the preparations for the 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government, scheduled to take place on 17th August 2026 in Durban, South Africa.