Windhoek: SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi has called on member states to accelerate industrialisation and transform agriculture by investing across value chains to create jobs, strengthen food security, and drive inclusive economic growth. Speaking at the opening of the 46th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government in Durban, South Africa, Magosi emphasized the need for the region to move beyond exporting raw materials and harness its natural and agricultural resources to build resilient, diversified economies.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Magosi's remarks aligned with the summit's theme, 'Resilient, Sustainable and Inclusive Industrialisation through Infrastructure Development, Agricultural and Critical Minerals Transformation in Pursuit of a Just World'. He noted that SADC's abundant critical mineral resources, including platinum group metals, lithium, cobalt, graphite, manganese, rare earth elements, and copper, presented an opportunity for the region to expand beneficiation, manufacturing, and industrialisation.

Magosi stated, 'Industrialisation remains central to achieving structural transformation, economic diversification, job creation, poverty reduction, and improved living standards. However, industrialisation cannot succeed without modern and reliable infrastructure.' He challenged member states to translate long-standing commitments into concrete action, particularly by retaining greater value from the region's mineral wealth.

Further, Magosi highlighted agriculture as a cornerstone of SADC economies and a major source of livelihoods. He observed that member states were investing in irrigation, mechanisation, climate-smart agriculture, improved seed systems, and agro-processing. 'To fully unlock the potential of the agricultural sector, we must continue investing across its entire value chain, from production and processing to storage, transport, and market access. Doing so will enhance food security, create jobs, and drive inclusive growth,' he said.

Magosi also stated that the theme of the one-day summit captured SADC's aspirations to build resilient economies capable of creating opportunities for all, while linking agricultural transformation and industrialisation to sustainable regional development. The summit brought together leaders from 16 SADC member states and was hosted by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who assumed the chairmanship of the regional bloc for the next 12 months.