The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has handed over the bloc’s rotational leadership role to Angola amid renewed calls for SADC Member States to fast-track industrialization for their economic independence.
In his remarks when he handed over the chairmanship of the region to his Angolan counterpart, Joan Manuel Lauran, in Angola’s capital Luanda, outgoing SADC Chair and DRC President, Felix Tshisekedi Tshilombo, called for enhanced integration.
“With a combined Gross Domestic Product of around $720 billion and a population of over 360 million, 75% of whom are young people, we have a market with considerable potential for investment and development,” he added.
Heads of State and Government at the Summit have also discussed the need to foster democracy, peace and unity in the region.
Meanwhile, President Chakwera is expected to hold bilateral talks with his Angolan counterpart tomorrow where Dr Chakwera will also explore opportunities in the energy sector.
In SADC media awards, Lisa Malango of MANA has earned $1000 for emerging as second best Photojournalist.
Angola is the second-largest oil-producing nation in Sub-Saharan Africa and a member of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
Reported by Mercy Zamawa.
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