SADC Investment Forum on Mineral Beneficiation Value Chains Kicks Off in Johannesburg
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) launched its inaugural Investment Forum on Mineral Beneficiation Value Chains on March 25th, 2024, in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The forum aims to bolster the development of value chains in energy storage (batteries), copper, and mining inputs across the region.
Funded by the European Union (EU) through the Support to Improving the Investment and Business Environment in the SADC Region (SIBE) Programme, the four-day event seeks to foster ownership, partnerships, and cooperation among Member States in developing projects.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Sadwick Mtonakutha, SADC Director of Finance Investment and Customs, underscored the importance of collaborative efforts among governments, private sector entities, industry players, civil society, labor, and development partners in achieving the goals outlined in the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap.
Ms. Angela Dau-Pretorius, Chairperson of the SADC Investment Subcommittee, reiterated the forum’s objective of supporting industrialization through mineral beneficiation.
She emphasized that the identified regional investment projects should catalyze trade, generate employment opportunities, and foster sustainable and diversified growth.
The SADC Secretariat is set to present 20 potential regional investment projects during the forum, with development partners outlining available financial services and products to support their development. Member States hosting the proposed investment projects will present their business cases to fellow delegates.
A roundtable session for Chief Executive Officers of Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) will offer interventions on joint project development, promotion, policy, and regulatory harmonization.
The forum will conclude with a business consultation session geared towards facilitating networking, cooperation, and collaboration in regional investment project development.
The event boasts participation from representatives of Ministries responsible for Investment, Finance, Industry, Mining, and Commerce, as well as regional and international Development Financial Institutions, SADC IPAs, and Regional Economic Communities.
Additional source: SADC
