Mnangagwa assumes SADC chairmanship, urges innovation and regional unity
Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa has taken over the chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), using the occasion to highlight the pivotal role of innovation in driving the region’s economic growth and integration. Speaking at the 44th SADC Summit on Saturday, Mnangagwa emphasized the importance of harnessing technology and innovation to modernize and industrialize the region.
Mnangagwa lauded his predecessor, Angolan President João Lourenço, for his leadership over the past year. He also acknowledged the contributions of Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema and Tanzanian President Samia Hassan in maintaining peace and security in the region.
“The theme for this year, ‘Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustainable Economic Growth and Development towards an Industrialised SADC,’ is a clarion call for our nations to leverage our human capital and spur technological advancements,” Mnangagwa said.
He called for the acceleration of value addition and beneficiation of the region’s rich mineral resources, emphasizing that SADC must not lag behind in the rapidly changing landscape of science, technology, and innovation.
Mnangagwa also stressed the importance of unity and self-reliance, urging SADC countries to defend their sovereignty and economic self-determination. He reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to advancing the region’s industrialization strategy and condemned the use of sanctions as a foreign policy tool, calling for their immediate lifting.
In a nod to the region’s shared history of struggle and liberation, Mnangagwa announced the unveiling of the SADC Liberation Square within the Museum of African Liberation in Harare, honoring the legacy of the region’s founding fathers.
“As we advance our regional agenda, no one and no country should be left behind. Together, we will continue to build a united, modern, and industrialized SADC,” Mnangagwa concluded.
Source; Kukurigo
