CZI optimistic of SADC Industrialisation Week gains
THE Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) has expressed optimism of positive outcomes for local firms as the country hosts the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Industrialisation Week which commenced on Sunday.
Zimbabwe is hosting more than 150 companies from across southern Africa during the SADC Industrialisation Week running from July 28 to August 2, under the theme, “Promoting Innovation to Unlock
Opportunities for Sustainable Economic Growth and Development: Towards an Industrialised SADC.”
The event is a precursor to the SADC Heads of State Summit on August 17.
Zimbabwe’s largest industry lobby group is convinced that the hosting of the two high-level events would yield good dividend for the country.
CZI chief executive officer, Ms Sekai Kuvarika, said the regional conferences offer a huge potential to bring together investors, policymakers, and industry leaders, paving the way for economic growth and industrial development in the region.
She said CZI has established partnerships with promotion agencies in the region, which confirmed their participation at the event.
These are representing their respective jurisdictions, and showcasing investment opportunities in their countries, paving the way for potential collaborations and deals.
The development is a significant boost for Zimbabwe’s investment landscape, as it will bring together key stakeholders and facilitate the exchange of ideas, expertise, and resources, said Ms Kuvarika.
“We are eager to anticipate at the SADC Industrialisation Week as it is the first time to have an investment forum in the industrialisation week to promote investment in industries within the region and also spotlighting the country as there are more opportunities to look at,” she said in a recent interview with NewzRoom Afrika, a South African television station.
Ms Kuvarika said the conference will also assess the progress made by businesses in the region towards achieving industrialisation and economic transformation in line with the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap (2015-2063).
“The discussions will centre around the successes and challenges faced by businesses in the industrialisation drive, with a view to identifying strategies to accelerate progress towards attaining the Vision 2030,” she said.
“This vision aims to propel the region into a more industrialised and diversified economy, with a significant impact on economic growth, employment, and poverty reduction.”
Ms Kuvarika further outlined that the summit will feature a diverse range of experts and thought leaders who will delve into various aspects of the business sector, including trade, investment, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
“These experts will share insights and best practices on how to enhance competitiveness, boost productivity, and unlock new opportunities for growth and development in the region,” she said.
“The summit will also provide a platform for business leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue, share experiences, and explore potential collaborations and partnerships that can drive economic transformation in the SADC region.”
The SADC Industrialisation Week is underway in Harare and has brought together representatives from across the region to discuss key issues and opportunities for economic growth and industrialisation.
“It will feature a diverse range of participants from various fields, including the public and private sectors, as well as representatives from international partners such as China and Egypt, among others,” said Ms Kuvarika.
“We are committed to driving industrialisation and look forward to engaging with a diverse group of countries to share experiences and best practices.”
She urged businesses to align themselves with the industrialisation agenda, seizing opportunities to address the needs of various industries and drive growth.
This will enable them to capitalise on the opportunities presented by the summit and contribute to the region’s economic transformation.