The article discusses the progress made by Southern Africa in developing its manufacturing sector, as highlighted in the '40 Years of SADC: Enhancing Regional Cooperation and Integration' publication. The publication, launched at the SADC Extraordinary Summit in Maputo, Mozambique, indicates an increase in the manufacturing sector's contribution to the region's GDP from 10.3% in 2013 to 11.9% in 2018. Despite this growth, the sector remains largely undiversified, with agriculture and mining still dominating. SADC's chairperson, President Felipe Nyusi, emphasizes the need for enhanced value addition and beneficiation of natural resources, as outlined in the SADC Industrialization Strategy and Roadmap. The strategy aims to strengthen the region's economies and reduce dependency on exporting raw materials. The article also mentions the need for innovative funding, reliable energy, and a strong human resources base to further expand manufacturing. The publication is a collaborative effort between the SADC Secretariat and SARDC, aiming to showcase the region's achievements and the benefits of regional integration to its citizens.

The article discusses the importance of operationalizing the Sadc Regional Development Fund (RDF) to promote integration and industrial development in Southern Africa. The RDF, which was a focal point at the 42nd Sadc Summit in Kinshasa, is designed to be a self-financing mechanism to reduce reliance on external support and to fund development programs in the region. With an estimated need of over US$50 billion for development programs, Sadc Executive Secretary Elias Magosi emphasized the potential for investment and economic growth in the region. Outgoing Sadc chairperson, Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, highlighted the need for private sector participation in the development agenda. Despite the agreement by nine Sadc Member States to operationalize the RDF, none have ratified the agreement. The initial capital for the RDF is set at US$13 billion, with the majority shareholding held by Member States. The article also mentions the establishment of the Sadc Project Preparation Development Facility as a precursor to the RDF.