Industrialisation took centre stage at the opening of the ninth Southern African Development Community (SADC) Industrialisation Week, with leaders from across the region calling for accelerated industrial development to drive economic transformation, regional integration and job creation.
The Southern African Development Community, in collaboration with the Government of South Africa and the SADC Business Council, is hosting the 9th Annual SADC Industrialisation Week at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
The week is the region’s premier public-private platform for advancing industrial development, promoting investment, strengthening regional integration and accelerating economic transformation.
Held from 27–31 July 2026, under the theme: “Resilient, Sustainable and Inclusive Industrialisation through Infrastructure Development, Agricultural and Critical Minerals Transformation in Pursuit of a Just World”, the event will serve as a high-level precursor to the 46th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government.
The week-long programme brings together policymakers, business leaders, investors, academia, researchers, development finance institutions, and other strategic stakeholders from across the SADC region and beyond. It will provide a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, partnership building and the identification of practical solutions to advance industrialisation and sustainable economic growth.
The main goals of the week are to advance the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap 2015–2063, which is centred on three pillars: industrialisation, competitiveness, and regional integration.
The 2026 edition of the week will focus on key strategic priorities, including strengthening regional value chains in agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods and critical minerals beneficiation; promoting infrastructure development in energy, transport, logistics, water and information and communication technologies (ICT); mobilising investment and fostering industrial partnerships; and advancing women and youth empowerment, innovation, entrepreneurship and digital transformation.
In his opening address, eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba said Durban was honoured to host the gathering, describing the city as a strategic gateway to Africa and is committed to promoting regional industrialisation, investment, and economic growth.
SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi said the event provides an important platform for member states and stakeholders to discuss the future of industrial development and that merely talking about change does not translate into action.
"This platform enables us to share experiences, forge effective partnerships, create opportunities, and identify innovative solutions. Aspirations alone will not bring about transformation; real implementation and the creation of opportunities for industries and businesses must lead the way," Magosi said.
Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau said industrialisation remains a key driver of productivity, economic diversification, technological advancement, and greater resilience against external shocks.
Tau urged stakeholders to remain mindful of strategic vulnerabilities, while focusing on implementing outcomes that are measurable and visible. – SAnews.gov.za
