17 Aug 2015

New presidents of different Southern Afican Development Community (SADC)countries have reaffirmed their commitment to the ideals of the regional organ.

The President of Zambia, Mr Edgar Lungu said Zambia was committed to the ideals of SADC for a common future. 

President Lungu, who took power after Mr Michael Sata, said the Zambian government remains fully committed to the implementation and realisation of all SADC protocols and programmes, adding that peace and stability in the region form a fertile ground for regional development. 

Mr Lungu said there was need to accelerate regional integration to enable member states to provide attractive markets and investment destinations collectively.

“We support initiatives aimed at broadening markets under the tripartite and free trade areas,” he said.

He noted that the regional organ had made impressive strides in various areas, adding that there were regional programmes which were under construction such as the Kazungula bridge over the Zambezi River, one stop border posts, the Univisa pilot projects and trans-frontier conservation parks amongst others.

He said there was need for member states to redouble efforts to confront emerging socio-economic challenges faced by developing countries. 

He highlighted that there was need to promote pro-industrialisation policies, foster small and medium enterprises development, increase intra-regional trade, invest in power generation and adapt to the effects of climate change.

Also delivering his maiden speech was the President of Mozambique Mr Filipe Nyusi who reaffirmed that his government would abide to the ideals and aspirations of SADC which seek to strategically develop the region. 

Mr Nyusi noted that the summit which is held under the theme: Accelerating industrialisation of SADC economies through transformation of natural endowment and improved human capital, resonates well with the revised regional development strategy taking into cognizance the critical component of human capital development.

He appreciated the SADC revised Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2015-2020, saying it would go a long way in transforming the lives of the people. 

He emphasised the need for member states to continue to uphold democratic principles, adding that it was under noble democratic set ups that the region would continue to thrive. ENDS