Zimbabwe has taken over the leadership of the SADC Council of Ministers, succeeding Angola, ahead of the 44th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, where Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa will take over as chairperson of the bloc. This is reported by The Herald.

In his speech, Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs Minister Frederick Shava said the country will focus on ensuring food security and restoring peace and stability in the region during his presidency.

He also stressed the importance of promoting innovation and creating opportunities for the youth through sustainable industrialisation and economic growth.

Zimbabwe also hosted the 7th annual SADC Industrialisation Week, where regional economic issues were discussed with the private sector.

Shava said the realisation of the SADC Vision 2050 and the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030 would not be possible without the active participation of the private sector.

The outgoing Chairperson of the Council of Ministers, Angolan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tete Antonio, noted that under Angola’s chairmanship, the region had made a number of achievements in line with the theme of the 43rd SADC Summit.

He also noted the importance of developing human capital and financial capital for sustainable industrialisation in the region.

Zimbabwe is ready to continue to work towards promoting regional integration and the development of SADC.

African Times published this article in partnership with International Media Network TV BRICS