Zim GBC News Network
ANTANANARIVO – Outgoing SADC Chair President Emmerson Mnangagwa delivered a scorching critique of the bloc’s economic failures at his final summit, warning that disunity leaves Southern Africa vulnerable to global exploitation.
In an uncharacteristically blunt address at the 45th Ordinary Summit, Mnangagwa declared:
“Our very low level of economic cooperation cripples our future. While drowning in resources, we export raw materials and neglect intra-regional trade – making ourselves easy targets for exploiters.”
Scathing Assessment:
- Protocol Paralysis: “Endless delays in ratifying key agreements undermine our potential.”
- Funding Failures: The SADC Regional Development Fund – dubbed “low-hanging fruit” – remains paralyzed by political inertia.
- Trade Deficit: Intra-regional commerce lags far behind external trade despite abundant opportunities.
Urgent Prescriptions:
Mnangagwa demanded immediate action:
· Mobilize private sector partnerships
· Tap diaspora investment
· “Expedite internal processes stalling integration”
· Address chronic underfunding inhibiting progress
Stark Warning:
“As the global order shifts, our choice is clear: unite as a force or remain disorganized and unstable. Continued inaction weakens us all,” Mnangagwa cautioned hundreds of delegates.
His remarks set a formidable challenge for incoming chair, Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina.
Political analyst Dr. Tinei Mukandi observed:
“This was less a farewell and more an indictment. Mnangagwa essentially declared SADC’s economic architecture broken – a rare admission from a sitting chair.”
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