SADC Ministers Back Deeper Regional Integration and Economic Growth
Ministers from across Southern Africa have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and economic integration following the conclusion of the Southern African Development Community Council of Ministers Meeting in Pretoria.
The two-day meeting was chaired by Ronald Lamola and reviewed progress on key regional programmes while considering measures aimed at accelerating industrialisation, strengthening agricultural transformation and advancing the region’s energy transition.
Speaking after the meeting, Mulambo Haimbe described the deliberations as constructive and forward-looking, stressing the need for continued reforms to promote sustainable growth across the region.
“Zambia as a market is about 20 million people, but within the SADC region we are speaking of a market of more than 300 million people. That collective strength provides a strong platform for trade, investment and economic growth,” Mr Haimbe said.
The Council also reviewed the implementation of previous summit decisions, progress on the operationalisation of the SADC Regional Development Fund, disaster risk management initiatives and the mid-term review of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP).
Closing the meeting, Minister Lamola thanked ministers and heads of delegation for the constructive spirit of the discussions and reaffirmed the region’s shared commitment to strengthening regional cooperation.
“Our discussions have once again demonstrated the strength of our shared commitment to advancing regional cooperation and integration in the Southern African Development Community,” he said.
Mr Haimbe was accompanied by senior Zambian officials, including Permanent Secretary Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen, National Coordinator of the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit Norman Chipakupaku, Zambia’s Permanent Representative to SADC and High Commissioner to Botswana Pamela Chisanga, and Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa Grace Mutembo.
The meeting forms part of ongoing efforts by SADC member states to deepen regional integration and strengthen cooperation on economic development and disaster resilience across Southern Africa.
