As the Southern African Development Community (SADC) embarks on a new chapter under the leadership of Zimbabwe’s President Emerson Mnangagwa, innovation is set to become a cornerstone in unlocking sustainable economic growth across the region.
Building on the legacy of outgoing chairman President Joe Manuel Mrosso of Mozambique, whose tenure focused on industrialization and sustainable economic growth, President Mnangagwa’s leadership will emphasize the promotion of innovation. This strategic pivot aims to harness new opportunities for economic transformation, job creation, and improved living standards throughout the 17-member bloc.
At the 2024 SADC anniversary celebration in Abuja, Ambassador Bamoquina Jose Zau, Chair of the SADC Group in Nigeria, lauded the progress achieved under President Mrosso’s leadership. “We thank President Mrosso for his dedication to SADC, and we welcome President Mnangagwa as he takes the helm to guide our organization forward,” he said.
Ambassador Zau highlighted the critical role of innovation in driving economic transformation, noting, “As we look to the future, President Mnangagwa’s chairmanship will focus on promoting innovation to unlock opportunities for sustainable economic growth and development.”
The anniversary event also underscored the region’s ongoing commitment to peace and security. The recent summit in Arusha, Tanzania, praised the mediation efforts between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, urging both nations to cease hostilities. SADC’s continued focus will be on achieving lasting peace, particularly in conflict-affected areas such as eastern DRC and Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province.
Meanwhile, Voice of Nigeria Director General Jubrin Ndace emphasized the media’s crucial role in shaping Africa’s narrative. He called for a concerted effort to create a positive image of Africa and proposed a partnership between SADC countries and Voice of Nigeria to promote cultural exchange and positive storytelling.
“We must define ourselves by our strengths, resilience, and beauty,” Ndace urged. “Let’s take control of our narrative and let the world respect us for who we are and what we can achieve.”
As SADC moves forward under new leadership, the region remains committed to fostering sustainable development, peace, and security for all its people, with innovation at the forefront of this renewed drive.
