Zimbabwe is leveraging the two-day SADC Council of Ministers meeting in Pretoria to advance regional industrialisation, with the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Mthuli Ncube representing the country on behalf of outgoing Chair, Professor Amon Murwira.
In a statement, the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion said the meeting is being held under the theme, “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC.
“The theme underscores SADC’s collective resolve to accelerate industrialisation, modernise agriculture and invest in clean and sustainable energy systems as key pillars for economic resilience and inclusive growth across the region,” said the Ministry.
The Ministry said the Council of Ministers will review progress made in implementing previous decisions of the Summit and Council, including regional programmes aimed at strengthening food security, disaster preparedness and economic integration.
“During the meeting, Ministers will consider the status of implementation of Council and Summit decisions, disaster risk management frameworks, the state of regional food and nutrition security, as well as progress towards the operationalisation of the SADC Regional Development Fund,” it said.
The Ministry added that the Council will also deliberate on the review of the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap 2015-2063, which is central to transforming the region from a resource-based to a value-adding and industrialised economy.
“The review of the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap is critical to ensure that the region remains on course towards value addition, beneficiation and increased intra-regional trade, in line with the objectives of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020-2030,” the Ministry said.
The Ministry noted that the meeting will further consider the SADC Secretariat Annual Operational Plan and Budget for the 2026-2027 financial year, which will guide the implementation of regional programmes.
“The Council of Ministers plays a central role in overseeing the functioning of SADC and ensuring that policies agreed upon by Heads of State and Government are effectively implemented for the benefit of the citizens of the region,” the statement read.
The Council meeting follows several preparatory sessions, including meetings of the Standing Committee of Senior Officials, the Finance Committee and experts on the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan, which were held from 4 to 10 March 2026.
