Windhoek: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged to advance regional economic integration, trade, and investment during South Africa's tenure as chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
According to Namibia Press Agency, Ramaphosa made the commitment on Monday after accepting the chairmanship of the regional bloc at the 46th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government in Durban, taking over from his Zimbabwean counterpart, President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Ramaphosa expressed his gratitude for the honor and responsibility of being elected Chairperson of SADC on behalf of the South African government and its people.
He emphasized that South Africa's involvement in SADC is deeply rooted in the region's support for the country's struggle for democracy. Ramaphosa noted that progress in southern Africa could only be achieved through unity, cooperation, and solidarity. During its 12-month chairmanship, South Africa will collaborate with 15 other member states to advance SADC's Vision 2050 and implement the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan.
Ramaphosa outlined his administration's goal of fostering greater integration of SADC economies by enhancing trade and investment ties to drive resilient, sustainable, and inclusive industrialization. He also committed to working with member states to promote peace, security, and stability, which he identified as essential for the region's development and well-being.
The South African leader thanked President Mnangagwa for his leadership as the outgoing SADC chairperson and acknowledged the SADC Secretariat for its support in advancing the bloc's development agenda. Mnangagwa formally handed over the SADC chairmanship to Ramaphosa, praising him for navigating the region through a challenging geopolitical landscape while maintaining the focus on integration.
Mnangagwa highlighted the theme under which Zimbabwe is handing over leadership: 'Resilient, Sustainable and Inclusive Industrialisation through Infrastructure Development, Agricultural and Critical Minerals Transformation in Pursuit of a Just World.' This theme aims to ensure that SADC adds value to its natural resources by developing local processing, refining, and manufacturing capacities, thereby boosting intra-SADC trade, creating jobs, and retaining value within member states.
He also noted progress in regional infrastructure, such as the Kazungula Water Project, and called for greater investment in water security, education, skills development, and industrial capacity.