The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has called on member states to accelerate regional integration and achieve measurable results, during the opening of the Committee of Senior Officials meeting in Pretoria, South Africa.
The meeting is chaired by Ambassador Tebogo Seokolo, Deputy Secretary-General of South Africa’s Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation.
In his address, Ambassador Seokolo urged SADC countries to boost intra-regional trade, which currently accounts for only 23 percent of total trade within the bloc.
He stressed that stronger industrial development is key, noting that the manufacturing sector is expanding rapidly and contributes about 11 percent to the region’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Ambassador Seokolo also highlighted the need for improved infrastructure, particularly road networks, to ease the movement of people and goods.
He underscored the importance of food security, pointing out that 58 million people across the region continue to face challenges in accessing sufficient and nutritious food.
Tanzania’s delegation, led by Ambassador Said Shaib Mussa, Deputy Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, outlined the measures being implemented by the Sixth Phase Government under President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan to strengthen trade, industry, and infrastructure in collaboration with fellow SADC member states.
The meeting is expected to chart a roadmap for deeper regional integration and enhanced economic cooperation across Southern Africa.