Southern African Development Community leaders are urging accelerated regional industrialisation to drive job creation for young people and boost economic competitiveness.
This shift is critical because the region remains heavily dependent on the export of raw materials, which limits economic growth and leaves youth populations underemployed.
The push began Monday with the start of the ninth [1] annual SADC Industrialisation Week. President Cyril Ramaphosa and Executive Secretary Elias Magosi led the calls for a transition toward value-added growth across the Southern Africa region.
Ramaphosa said trade is a catalyst for industrialisation and job creation. He said that increasing regional trade would allow member states to build more robust internal markets, reducing reliance on external imports.
Magosi said the community must change how the region handles its natural resources. He said the community must move beyond exporting raw minerals and accelerate value addition.
By processing minerals and agricultural products within the region, SADC aims to capture more of the global value chain. This strategy is intended to foster inclusive economic transformation, and create sustainable employment opportunities for the youth population.
South Africa currently holds the SADC chair, positioning the country to lead these regional policy alignments. The leadership said that coordinated industrial efforts will make the region more competitive on a global scale.
“Trade is a catalyst for industrialisation, job [creation]”
The focus on value addition represents a strategic pivot for Southern Africa to escape the 'commodity trap,' where economies fluctuate based on global raw material prices. By developing local manufacturing and processing capabilities, the region seeks to insulate its economy from external shocks while addressing systemic youth unemployment through higher-skilled industrial roles.
