HARARE, Zimbabwe—On August 17, 2024, President João Lourenço of Angola, in his role as Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), opened the 44th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government with a focus on industrialisation and regional collaboration. The event, hosted in Harare, Zimbabwe, brought together leaders from across the region to discuss the progress and challenges facing SADC nations.
Lourenço began by expressing his appreciation to Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the people of Zimbabwe for their hospitality. He also welcomed Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba, attending his first SADC Summit following the peaceful transition of power in Namibia.
The President paid tribute to regional leaders and soldiers who passed away in the past year, including former Namibian President Hage Geingob, Malawian Vice-President Saulos Klaus Chilima, and Tanzanian President Ali Hassan Mwinyi. He called for a moment of silence to honor their contributions.
A significant portion of Lourenço’s address focused on the ongoing push for industrialisation within the SADC region. He noted that Angola had committed to advancing this agenda during its chairmanship, building on initiatives from previous summits. The President outlined efforts to support the development of key value chains in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and minerals, which are vital for the region’s economic growth.
Lourenço also highlighted the challenges related to infrastructure financing, pointing out a $30-40 billion annual gap. He urged private sector involvement and international partnerships to support the SADC Regional Development Fund, which aims to bolster industrial, social, and infrastructure projects across the region.
In the realm of infrastructure, Lourenço noted strides in energy, transport, and digital services. He acknowledged the progress in mobile network coverage, with 86% of the region covered, but stressed the need for further investment in energy infrastructure to meet demand and support industrialisation.
Additionally, Lourenço touched on the importance of easing movement across borders, reporting that some SADC nations had instituted visa exemptions and one-stop border posts to facilitate trade and travel. He pointed to the Lobito Corridor as a key project that would enhance connectivity between Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The President concluded by addressing health and environmental challenges, such as the fight against HIV, cholera, and the impacts of climate change. He announced the operationalisation of the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre, which will coordinate disaster preparedness and response in the region.
The summit will continue with discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation and addressing the pressing issues facing the SADC region.
