Zimbabwe Takes Helm of SADC Council of Ministers
Pledges to Promote Innovation for Regional Growth
The Republic of Zimbabwe assumed the Chairship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Council of Ministers on August 13, 2024, with Honourable Ambassador Dr. Frederick Shava taking over from His Excellency Ambassador Téte António of Angola.
The handover ceremony, held in Harare, marked a significant step towards Zimbabwe’s upcoming leadership of the regional bloc. President Emmerson Mnangagwa will assume the SADC Chairship from President João Lourenço of Angola at the 44th SADC Summit on August 17, 2024.
In his acceptance speech, Ambassador Shava emphasized his commitment to steering the Council of Ministers guided by the 44th SADC Summit theme: “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustained Economic Growth and Development towards an Industrialised SADC.” He pledged to prioritize the implementation of the regional agenda, focusing on promoting innovation and creating opportunities for future generations through sustainable industrialization and economic growth.
The outgoing Chairperson, Ambassador António, highlighted the progress made by SADC over the past year in promoting regional cooperation, integration, and development. He stressed the importance of a well-educated and skilled workforce to drive the regional industrialization agenda and called for the expedited operationalization of the SADC University of Transformation and the SADC Regional Development Fund.
António also acknowledged the humanitarian challenges facing the region, particularly the El Niño-induced drought and floods. He commended the launch of the Regional Humanitarian Appeal, which seeks to raise US$5.5 million to support affected countries.
SADC Executive Secretary, His Excellency Mr. Elias M. Magosi, commended Zimbabwe for its commitment to the SADC industrialization agenda, particularly for hosting the successful 7th SADC Industrialisation Week in July 2024. He emphasized the importance of working in solidarity to promote peace and security, citing the deployment of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) as a testament to the bloc’s commitment to lasting peace in the region.
The assumption of the SADC Chairship by Zimbabwe marks a new chapter for the regional bloc, with a focus on innovation and sustainable development. The region will look to Zimbabwe’s leadership to drive forward the implementation of the SADC industrialization agenda and address the challenges facing the region.
