The 44th Ordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government will take place on August 17, 2024, in Harare, Zimbabwe. This year’s summit will focus on the theme: “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustained Economic Growth and Development towards an Industrialised SADC.”
A Platform for Policy Direction
The SADC Summit serves as the key policy-making institution for the region, providing overall policy direction and control of the Community’s functions. It is an annual event attended by Heads of State and Government from the 16 SADC member states, including Angola, Botswana, Comoros, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. In addition to the member states, the summit welcomes heads of continental and regional bodies as observers.
Pre-Summit Meetings and Activities
The 44th SADC Summit will be preceded by a series of important meetings and activities aimed at setting the agenda and ensuring smooth proceedings:
- 7th SADC Industrialisation Week (28 July – 02 August 2024): Taking place at the Harare International Conference Centre, this event focuses on fostering industrial development within the region.
- Senior Officials and Finance Committee Meeting (08 – 11 August 2024): This meeting will be held at the New Parliament Building and is crucial for preparing the agenda for the Heads of State and Government.
- SADC Council of Ministers Meeting (13 – 14 August 2024): Also at the New Parliament Building, the Council of Ministers will review the functioning and development of SADC and ensure the proper implementation of policies. The council comprises ministers from each member state, typically from ministries related to Foreign Affairs, Economic Planning, or Finance.
- SADC and BADEA Investment Forum (14 August 2024): This forum at the Harare International Conference Centre will explore investment opportunities between SADC and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA).
- SADC Public Lecture (15 August 2024): Held at the University of Zimbabwe Diamond Lecture Theatre, this lecture will provide insights into SADC’s role in regional development.
- SADC Organ Troika Ministerial Committee and SADC Organ Troika Summit (16 August 2024): These meetings, at the New Parliament Building, will focus on political and security cooperation within the region.
A Vision for Industrialisation and Growth
The summit’s theme highlights the critical role of innovation in driving economic growth and development within the SADC region. By focusing on industrialisation, the summit aims to unlock new opportunities for sustained growth, addressing challenges such as unemployment, poverty, and inequality.
The discussions and outcomes of the 44th SADC Summit are expected to pave the way for enhanced regional cooperation and integration, promoting a more prosperous and industrialised Southern Africa.
As the host country, Zimbabwe is poised to showcase its commitment to regional development and collaboration, providing a platform for member states to engage in meaningful dialogue and collective decision-making. The summit marks a significant step forward in SADC’s efforts to foster a more integrated and industrialised region.
