Page 7 - 41st Summit Brochure

Cognizant of the significance of industrialization in accelerating regional integration, this year’s
theme underscores the need for Member States to bolster existing productive capacities and enhance their
utilization to address trade and development challenges faced by our economies. It further provides an
opportunity for SADC to build new capacities exposed and availed by the pandemic.
This, therefore, calls for us to meaningfully invest in the kind of research and development that will
leverage innovative and modern technologies towards the placement of our economies on a sustainable
development trajectory. In this regard, the time for centres of excellence in the region to play their role is
now.
For this cause of regional integration on production-based trade, I am appealing to you, my fellow
leaders, to continue working together to preserve peace and stability, without which our collective
integration goal cannot be reached. The prevalence of armed conflicts and the threat of terrorism within 5
our region must continue to be confronted, with all hands on-deck. Stability and security are the only womb
in which prosperity can be conceived and nurtured.
In conclusion, the 41st SADC Summit provides us with yet another opportunity to renew our
commitment to multilateralism and demonstrate high political will to practice it. I am convinced that this will
lead to increased cooperation among Member States and help us recalibrate our strategies for accelerating the
industrialization and infrastructure development necessary for regional integration.
Once again, be rest assured of my delight to welcome you to the 41st SADC Summit. I am confident
that the resolutions of this important platform will stimulate us to pursue our regional socio-economic
transformation agenda. The time to build the SADC We Want is now. As we explore that vision together at
this Summit, enjoy the beauty of Malawi and the warmth of her people.

Takulandirani.

Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF MALAWI