Cape Town – International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has praised the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for its efforts toward regional stability and economic integration.
The minister spoke during a the SADC Council of Ministers meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The discussions, which set the stage for the 44th Heads of State and Government Summit, focused on promoting innovation to drive economic growth and industrialisation in the region.
Lamola, leading South Africa’s delegation alongside Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, emphasised the importance of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020-2025, which aims to foster regional economic growth and integration.
{PODCAST}: @DIRCO_ZA Minister @RonaldLamola spoke to @Tali_Munzhedzi at the conclusion of the #SADC Council of Ministers Meeting here in Harare, Zimbabwe ahead of the Ordinary #SADCSummit44 of Heads of State and Government, highlighting significant progress the region is making… pic.twitter.com/5hKClEjRQN
— Ubuntu Radio DSTV888 (@UbuntuRadioZA) August 14, 2024
“We are heartened by the steady progress our region is making in implementing the RISDP for 2020 – 2030,” Lamola said.
He highlighted progress, including a 21% rise in intra-SADC trade and US$6 billion in foreign direct investment. However, challenges such as global shocks and implementation setbacks remain.
The Council of Ministers also reviewed conflict mediation efforts and infrastructure developments like One-Stop Border Posts.
Looking ahead, South Africa will host the G20 summit in 2025, focusing on issues like regional food security, mining, and gender parity.
Lamola underscored the need for value addition in mineral resources and continued progress towards gender equality.
As the SADC region moves forward, the collective efforts of member states aim to create an era where peace underpins prosperity, demonstrating the power of unity and strategic collaboration. pic.twitter.com/u8aj5jcBic
— Minister: International Relations and Cooperation (@RonaldLamola) August 14, 2024
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
