Zimbabwe Gears Up to Host 44th SADC Summit, Emphasizing Industrialization and Innovation
Nevanji Munyaradzi Chiondegwa
Harare, Zimbabwe – Preparations are underway for the hosting of the 44th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government in Zimbabwe, with a strong emphasis on promoting industrialization and innovation within the region a Cabinet Minister has said.
This was said by the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere during a post cabinet media briefing in Harare today.
The summit, scheduled for August 18, 2024, will be preceded by the 7th Annual SADC Industrialization Week, running from July 28th to August 2nd.
The Cabinet, in a meeting today, reviewed the progress of preparations, with the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honourable F.T. Mhona, presenting a report on behalf of the Inter-Ministerial Task Force. The task force has established ten technical sub-committees to manage various aspects of the summit, including transport, protocol, accommodation, security, media, health, information technology, and finance.
The SADC Industrialization Week, themed “Promoting innovation to unlock opportunities for sustainable economic growth and development towards an Industrialised SADC”, will be hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in collaboration with the SADC Secretariat, the SADC Business Council, and the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries. The event is expected to attract over 150 companies from across the SADC region, representing key sectors like agro-processing, mineral beneficiation, pharmaceuticals, finance, and infrastructure.
The week will feature an Investment Conference, an official opening by His Excellency the President, and a Ministers’ Plenary Session, providing a platform for discussions and collaborations on fostering industrial growth and innovation within the SADC region.
The 44th SADC Summit itself will include two side events: a tour of the Geo-Pomona Waste Management Project by Heads of State and Government, highlighting Zimbabwe’s commitment to sustainable development, and the launch of the SADC Liberation Square at the Museum of African Liberation. President Mnangagwa will also deliver a public lecture at the University of Zimbabwe titled “Building Research Capacity and Innovation Ecosystems for a Sustainable Industrialised SADC Economy.”
In parallel with these events, construction of supporting infrastructure in Mt. Hampden is progressing, including a dedicated power line to the New Parliament and essential civil works like road and water systems.
The preparations for the 44th SADC Summit demonstrate Zimbabwe’s commitment to regional integration and economic development. The focus on industrialization and innovation, coupled with the diverse range of events and infrastructure development, promises a successful and impactful summit for the SADC region.
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