SADC regional industrialization and mineral development

The 9th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Industrialisation Week in Durban, South Africa, focused on transitioning from policy discussions to concrete actions regarding regional manufacturing and economic diversification.

Initial discussions centered on expanding manufacturing capacity, improving food security, and localizing pharmaceutical production. A specific focus was placed on Lesotho, where leaders called for the fast-tracking of Special Economic Zones (SEZ) legislation and infrastructure funding to support existing industrial estates.

Subsequent developments emphasized the role of critical energy transition minerals (CETMs) in driving industrialization. A five-year regional project, led by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and funded by the International Climate Initiative, aims to promote responsible and inclusive mineral value chains. This initiative targets the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to develop ESG-compliant mining policies and ensure local communities benefit from the exploitation of resources such as cobalt, copper, and lithium.