Media Awareness Day Kicks Off 7th SADC Industrialisation Week in Harare
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat, in collaboration with the Government of Zimbabwe, the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), and the SADC Business Council, launched the 7th SADC Industrialisation Week (SIW) with a Media Awareness Day held on July 28, 2024, in Harare.
The Media Awareness Day aimed to inform journalists and media personnel about the objectives and achievements of industrialisation efforts within the SADC region. The event served as a crucial platform to emphasize the role of industrialisation in driving economic growth and development while fostering increased media engagement and coverage of SIW-related issues.
This annual event seeks to enhance multi-stakeholder involvement in implementing the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap 2015-2063. It focuses on reviewing progress, addressing challenges, and sharing success stories related to developing regional value chains across priority sectors.
Honourable Dr. Jenfan Muswere, Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, highlighted the objectives of SIW. He emphasized the promotion of intra-African trade, development of cross-border value chains, and identification of investment opportunities through public-private partnerships.
“Industrialisation Week aims to showcase investment opportunities, promote industrialisation, and facilitate networking among stakeholders in the industrial sector,” Dr. Muswere stated.
Ms. Angele Makombo N’tumba, SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, underscored the interconnection between industrialisation and innovation. She noted that innovation drives industrialisation by introducing new technologies, processes, and business models, enhancing industry efficiency and competitiveness.
“Industrialisation often acts as a catalyst for further innovation, creating incentives for companies to meet evolving consumer needs and preferences,” Ms. Makombo N’tumba explained.
The 7th SADC Industrialisation Week will feature discussions, exhibitions, and presentations focusing on industrial growth, innovation, and the integration of advanced technologies. This event offers SADC Member States an opportunity to showcase their progress and plans in advancing the region’s industrial development agenda.
Source: SADC
