Tanzania reaffirms commitment to active role in SADC

TANZANIA has reaffirmed her commitment to being an active member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), pledging full participation
Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Minister, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo

HARARE: TANZANIA has reaffirmed her commitment to being an active member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), pledging full participation in the bloc’s activities and adherence to its financial responsibilities to advance regional objectives.

Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Minister, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, made the declaration at the SADC Council of Ministers’ meeting, which began on August 13 and concluded yesterday.

This meeting precedes the 44th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government, scheduled for Saturday in Harare.

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Attending the meeting for the first time since his appointment by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Minister Kombo emphasised Tanzania’s dedication to collaborating with the SADC Council of Ministers to promote regional economic growth.

“I pledge to work with you in implementing regional strategies as outlined in the SADC Treaty and the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) for 2020-2030,” said Ambassador Kombo.

The SADC Ministers’ meeting also included the handover of the Chairmanship of the council where Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Angola, Ambassador Tete António, passed the baton to Zimbabwe Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador Dr Fredrick Shava.

Minister of Defence and National Service, Stergomena Tax in a 2-day SADC Council of Ministers Meeting successfully concluded in Harare, where key regional integration agenda were discussed.

The SADC Council of Ministers also involved the handing over of the Chairpersonship for the Council where the outgoing Chairperson handed the position to the new one.

During the handover, Amb Téte António congratulated Dr Shava on assuming the responsibilities and also emphasised the importance of the removal of economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, the inclusion of women in various social, economic and political decision-making processes and the involvement of youth in development activities.

Dr Shava expressed gratitude for being entrusted with the role and stated that Zimbabwe is ready to cooperate with member states to achieve the SADC goals and priorities.

He also stressed the importance of involving the private sector in economic growth and encouraging the payment of contributions to enable the Community to fulfil its responsibilities effectively.

Speaking at the same occasion, Executive Secretary of the SADC Elias Magosi said the regional bloc continues to put its focus on socioeconomic integration and maintenance of peace and security in the region.

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“SADC recognises that peace and good governance provide pathways for integration and socioeconomic development of the region. To this end, SADC continued to make timely interventions to consolidate peace and stability in the region,” Magosi added.

The Council of Ministers meeting followed the 7th SADC Industrialisation Week held in Harare, Zimbabwe, under the theme “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustainable Economic Growth and Development Towards an Industrialised SADC.”

The Industrialisation Week serves as a key platform for SADC member states, the private sector, international partners, policymakers, researchers, SMEs, financial institutions and civil society to exchange experiences, drive regional industrialisation and economic transformation.

Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Minister, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo held a bilateral meeting with the President of Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) Dr. Sisi Tah at the margins of the SADC Council of Ministers Meeting in Harare.