Madagascar is set to host the 8th SADC Industrialisation Week (SIW) from 28 July to 1 August, bringing together over 500 delegates from across the region to advance economic transformation and industrial growth.
Organised by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat in partnership with the government of Madagascar, Syndicat des Industries Madagascar (Madagascar Industries Union) and the SADC Business Council, SIW serves as the largest public-private forum for industrialisation in the region.
Madagascar Industrialisation and Commerce Minister David Ralambofiringa told journalists in Antananarivo on Wednesday that the event will be held under the theme “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC.”
He said the event will feature seminars, exhibitions, site visits and expert panels covering key sectors such as mineral beneficiation, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals and energy transition.
There will also be a session on how SADC can benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area.
SIW 2025 aims to increase awareness of the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap 2015-2063, mobilise public-private partnerships and kick-start private-sector-led projects to enhance regional trade and investment.
Following previous editions in Eswatini in 2016, South Africa (2017), Namibia (2018), Tanzania (2019), Malawi (2021), Democratic Republic of Congo (2022) and Zimbabwe (2024), this year’s event is expected to further strengthen industrial partnerships and drive innovation across the region.
JN/APA