Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube, has called for deeper regional cooperation and coordinated policy implementation as Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states seek to accelerate regional integration and strengthen economic and health systems.
Speaking at the official opening of the Joint Meeting of SADC Ministers of Finance and Investment and the Peer Review Panel in Harare yesterday, Prof. Ncube welcomed delegates from across the region, saying Zimbabwe was honoured to host the strategic engagements that are central to advancing the bloc’s development agenda.
“It is my singular honour and privilege to welcome you to the official opening of the Meetings of the Ministers of Finance and Investment and the Peer Review Panel.
We are deeply honoured to be hosting these important engagements, and we trust that your stay will be productive, comfortable and reflective of the hospitality and friendship that bind the nations and peoples of our Region,”he said
Prof. Ncube commended the Southern African Development Community Secretariat for its continued support in organising the meetings and acknowledged the technical work undertaken by senior officials in preparing for the high-level deliberations.
“Allow me to express our sincere appreciation to the SADC Secretariat for its continued coordination and technical support, and to the Senior Treasury and Central Bank Officials who have prepared the groundwork for our deliberations.
Their work remains indispensable, for it allows Ministers and Governors to engage based on sound analysis, practical recommendations and shared regional priorities,” he noted.
He said the meetings demonstrate the region’s collective commitment to strengthening cooperation in finance, investment and governance as member states pursue sustainable economic growth.
“These meetings are convened in fulfilment of our collective vision under the SADC framework for cooperation in Finance and Investment.
They bring together two structures that are central to the Regional Integration Agenda: the Committee of Ministers of Finance and Investment, and the Peer Review Panel comprising Ministers of Finance and Central Bank Governors,” Prof. Ncube said.
He emphasised that the discussions provide an important platform for member states to assess progress, share experiences and formulate coordinated responses to emerging regional and global economic challenges.
“Collaboration among Finance Ministers, Central Bank Governors and other policymakers remains essential in promoting macroeconomic stability, enhancing investment, strengthening public financial management and advancing regional integration,”Prof Ncube added
Zimbabwe hosted the Joint Meeting of Southern African Development Community (SADC) Ministers of Finance and Investment, Ministers of Health and the Peer Review Panel in Harare.
The high-level meeting brought together Finance Ministers, Central Bank Governors and Health Ministers from across the region to deliberate on strengthening economic resilience, regional integration and sustainable financing for health systems.
