Ramaphosa urges SADC to build its own industries

SADC countries must use their mineral, agricultural, energy and human resources to drive their own industrial development, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has said.

Ramaphosa, who is also the SADC chairperson, delivered the keynote address at the SADC Public Lecture held at the University of KwaZulu Natal in Durban on Friday, 14 August 2026. The event was held ahead of the 46th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government.

The lecture was held under the theme, “Translating SADC Vision 2050 into Action: Pathways Towards Solidarity, Equality and Shared Prosperity.”

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It brought together political leaders, SADC institutions, academics, business representatives, civil society organisations, traditional and community leaders, women, young people and students.

Ramaphosa said the region needed to move from plans to practical action by using its combined resources, markets and skills to build productive economies and create shared prosperity.

He called for more minerals and agricultural products to be processed within the region instead of being exported as raw materials. He also urged SADC countries to strengthen manufacturing and establish regional value chains in which member states contribute their resources and capabilities to joint production.

The President said barriers affecting trade should be removed, while regulations and border procedures needed to be harmonised to increase trade among SADC countries.

He also called for stronger regional infrastructure, including transport corridors, energy systems, ports, logistics networks and digital connectivity.

According to Ramaphosa, integrated infrastructure would connect markets, improve the movement of goods and services and support industrial production across the region.

The South African President called for greater use of African and regional funding to finance strategic cross border projects and reduce reliance on external lenders.

He identified regional financial institutions, pension funds, public investment bodies, commercial banks and private investors as possible sources of funding for SADC development projects.

Ramaphosa also called for greater productive capacity in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, digital technology and agriculture to strengthen the region’s economic and health security.

He said investment in irrigation, agricultural technology, seed development, veterinary science and agro processing could improve food security, productivity and employment.

The President said regional integration must benefit women and young people, while peace, security, good governance and climate resilience should remain part of the region’s development plans.

South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, said the region was operating in a changing global environment shaped by geopolitical competition, trade tensions, climate threats, health emergencies and growing competition for Africa’s resources.

Lamola called for stronger regional solidarity, self reliance and collective action to build a peaceful, inclusive and industrialised SADC region.

SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi said Vision 2050 needed to produce practical results in infrastructure, industrialisation, regional value chains, employment, energy, food security and improved living conditions.

Magosi called for greater participation by member states and non state actors, including businesses, universities, civil society organisations, women and young people.

He also said effective financing, coordination, monitoring and accountability would be necessary to ensure the implementation of the regional agenda.

Other speakers included Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, University of KwaZulu Natal Vice Chancellor Professor Nana Poku, KwaZulu Natal representative Thami Ntuli, South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Mpho Parks Tau and eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba.

They called for stronger regional unity, public diplomacy and closer relations among citizens of SADC countries.

The speakers said integration should extend beyond government agreements and become meaningful to ordinary people through greater public awareness, educational exchanges, regional media cooperation and cultural programmes.

A high level panel discussion examined practical ways of turning Vision 2050 into programmes covering industrialisation, regional value chains, infrastructure, trade, human capital, peace, security and inclusive development.

Members of the audience were also given an opportunity to ask questions and share their views on implementing the regional agenda.

The discussions ended with a call for SADC Vision 2050 to be translated into coordinated action, investment and measurable results through stronger cooperation, inclusive participation and sustained commitment.