The upcoming Industrialization Week aims to leverage the region’s strategy to boost economic growth and collaboration. The event will provide local companies an opportunity to showcase their products and forge new partnerships. This initiative is expected to draw around 300 participants from all Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states, including key stakeholders in the private sector, strategic cooperating partners, academia, and research and technology institutions.
Speaking at a media awareness event in Harare, Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister Jenfan Muswere highlighted the significance of the program. “There will be 150 companies participating, with 100 spots reserved for local businesses, innovation hubs, small to medium-scale enterprises, and exhibitions for women and youth,” Muswere said. “At least 45 spots will be reserved for the other 15 member states.”
The event will feature a dedicated pavilion of regional investment promotion agencies from the 15 SADC industrialization member countries. Each member state will be allocated at least three weeks to showcase their contributions and investments. The Industrialization Week aims to engage private sector players in various sectors, including agro-processing, mineral beneficiation, pharmaceuticals, financial services, fast-moving consumer goods, capital goods, and infrastructure.
Muswere emphasized the comprehensive nature of the event, noting that participants at the investment forum will include all investment agencies from SADC member countries, sovereign wealth funds, and international financial institutions such as the African Development Bank and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa.
The event, which will be officially opened by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, will also provide a platform to showcase infrastructure and connectivity projects with long-term impacts on the SADC Regional Industrialization Programme. One such project is the proposed Beira-Mutare-Harare-Bulawayo-Francistown-Walvis Bay high-speed rail, designed to serve as a cost-effective Beira-Walvis Bay railway.
Muswere called on members of the media to play a crucial role in amplifying the message and successes of the SADC Industrialization Week. “Your coverage will help disseminate the outcomes of this important milestone, reaching a wider audience and inspiring others to join us in this transformative journey,” he said. Muswere expressed his gratitude to participants, sponsors, and organizers for their efforts in making the event possible. “Let us seize this opportunity to forge partnerships, exchange ideas, and chart a course towards a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future for the SADC region,” he added.
In 2014, Zimbabwe played a pivotal role in formulating and advocating the SADC Industrialization Strategy and Roadmap, which was subsequently adopted by member states. This week-long event underscores the importance of regional collaboration in achieving economic growth and development. The focus on innovation hubs and small to medium enterprises highlights the commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation within the region.
The inclusion of women and youth exhibitions aims to promote inclusivity and ensure that all segments of society benefit from industrialization efforts. By providing a platform for these groups to showcase their products and ideas, the event encourages diverse participation and empowers emerging entrepreneurs.
The Beira-Mutare-Harare-Bulawayo-Francistown-Walvis Bay high-speed rail project exemplifies the kind of infrastructure development that can drive regional industrialization. This railway will enhance connectivity and reduce transportation costs, making it easier for businesses to move goods across borders. Such projects are crucial for facilitating trade and boosting economic activity within the region.
