Zimbabwean president and SADC chair Robert Mugabe has called for value addition and beneficiation in the poverty stricken region.
In his opening speech at the ongoing SADC summit, Mugabe highlighted the abundant resources in the region, saying despite the abundant resources 80% of the populace of the region lives in poverty.
Mugabe also touched on agriculture, saying the region derives 10% from its products from this sector, which highlights the need for added value and beneficiation.
On trade in the region, he said the value was too low compared with other regions.
“If we remain exporters of raw materials we will never go anywhere while other economies flourish.
“SADC exports 10% to Europe while Asian countries export some 27%," said Mugabe, adding that industrialisation is now a must.
He also said the summit must deliberate on poverty eradication measures. “Let the summit be a step to achieve the ideals of our founding fathers in SADC and Africa as a whole.”
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