Ramaphosa takes SADC helm, pledges to drive trade, industrialisation and regional integration
President Cyril Ramaphosa has set out South Africa’s priorities for its SADC chairpersonship, promising to deepen regional integration, advance industrialisation and strengthen regional trade while safeguarding peace, security and democracy.
He said South Africa would also work to strengthen regional value chains, expand intra-African trade and mobilise investment in infrastructure.
Ramaphosa said South Africa would work with other member states to advance the industrialisation agenda and place young people, women and entrepreneurs at the centre of the region’s economic transformation.
He also congratulated Zimbabwe on securing a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, saying the country would represent not only SADC but the wider continent.
Ramaphosa said South Africa would undertake its chairpersonship with integrity, diligence and an “unwavering commitment to the unity of our region”.