Pretoria: Africa's future prosperity, development, and economic growth require strong economic blocs that are integrated, says African Union Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf. Youssouf delivered a statement during the opening session of the 46th Ordinary Summit of Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government, which is currently underway at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban.
According to South African Government News Agency, the 46th SADC Summit is being convened under the theme: 'Resilient, sustainable and inclusive industrialisation through infrastructure development, agricultural and critical minerals transformation in pursuit of a just World'. Youssouf stated that the Abuja Treaty signed in 1991 identified regional integration as a crucial pillar for Africa's growth and prosperity. He emphasized that it is now the responsibility of African leaders to ensure that this framework works more effectively.
Youssouf highlighted the need for a stronger African Union, supported by strong regional economic communities. He stressed the importance of building an African institutional architecture that is clear in its responsibilities, stronger in coordination, and more effective in delivering results for the people. Youssouf noted that SADC has long been a pillar of the continent's integration project, contributing to peace, security, regional integration, infrastructure development, and economic transformation, which aligns with the goals of Agenda 2063.
He expressed encouragement over the strengthening cooperation between the African Union Commission and SADC, which has become more regular, substantial, and operational in line with the 2021 Revised Protocol on relations between the African Union and the regional economic communities. Youssouf pointed out that SADC and the AU have worked closely to address security challenges in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar, and emphasized the importance of building on this progress.
Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Claver Gatete, also addressed the gathering, highlighting Southern Africa's potential as a glimpse of the industrial future sought by Africa. He cited examples such as South Africa's automotive sector, Botswana's diamond industry, and Zimbabwe's lithium processing investments as evidence of a region actively working towards industrial transformation. Gatete called for the implementation of strategic investments, robust institutions, and partnerships to support regional value chains, which he believes are essential for Africa's industrial transformation. He noted that SADC possesses the necessary resources, skills, and markets to build competitive regional production networks.