This Southern African Development Community (SADC) Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap 2015 - 2063 is formulated to transform the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region through industrialization, modernization, and regional integration. The Strategy outlines quantitative and qualitative goals, including lifting the regional GDP growth rate, doubling the share of manufacturing value added (MVA) in GDP, and increasing medium- and high-technology production. It is based on three core pillars: industrialization as a champion of economic and technological transformation, competitiveness, and regional integration. Key challenges identified include inefficient resource utilization, inadequate climate-resilient infrastructure, poor transportation links, and insufficient access to capital and market information. The Strategy emphasizes the need to shift from reliance on resources and low-cost labor to increased investment and enhanced productivity. The Strategy emphasizes the need for sustainable industrialization, environmental sustainability, and the promotion of a blue economy. It advocates for the development of quality infrastructure, improved transportation linkages, and the establishment of ICT research institutions to enhance regional capabilities. The roadmap highlights the importance of involving both governments and the private sector in industrialization efforts, ensuring that initiatives are consistent and complementary. It also addresses the need for capacity building, skills development, and the formalization of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to enhance competitiveness. Furthermore, the Strategy seeks to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change and environmental degradation through the implementation of the Regional Green Economy Strategy and Action Plan. This includes promoting environmentally friendly production processes and increasing the availability of sustainable goods and services. The Strategy also focuses on agro-processing, minerals beneficiation, value chain development, and ensuring environmental sustainability.
2015-04-29