Zimbabwe’s Mnangagwa urges ‘focused’ innovation in SADC --[Reported by Umva mag]

Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called for investment in innovation and technology as southern Africa moves to quicken regional efforts towards becoming the continent’s industrial hub.

Addressing delegates during Wednesday’s official opening of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Industrialisation Week in Harare, Mnangagwa said countries in the region should adopt a “deliberate, systematic and surgically focussed” approach that would allow them “to graduate from being factor-driven to investment-driven and ultimately knowledge-based economies.”

“Modernisation and industrialisation of our economies is no longer a luxury but a matter of necessity for the future we all want and deserve,” Mnangagwa said.

He added: “To ensure the successful implementation of the SADC Industrialisation Strategy, member states must increase investments in technology, innovation, as well as research and development.”

He called for the “re-purposing” of the 16-member region’s institutions so that they become more relevant for the bloc’s industrialisation programme.

This should include a review of the education system to allow it to bridge the gap between existing technology in SADC and global trends, a development that would the region more competitive.

The Zimbabwean leader, who takes over as SADC chairperson next month, also urged countries in the region to synchronise their development strategies so that they all contribute towards industrial transformation.

SADC has pursued an industrialisation agenda since 2014 when former Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe chaired the regional bloc.

JN/APA

The following news has been carefully analyzed, curated, and compiled by Umva Mag from a diverse range of people, sources, and reputable platforms. Our editorial team strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information we provide. By combining insights from multiple perspectives, we aim to offer a well-rounded and comprehensive understanding of the events and stories that shape our world. Umva Mag values transparency, accountability, and journalistic integrity, ensuring that each piece of content is delivered with the utmost professionalism.