We need no permission from anyone to process our own products - Elias Magosi

Elias Mogotsi is the Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Hosted by the South African government in partnership with the SADC Business Council and the SADC Secretariat, the annual gathering is regarded as the region’s premier public-private platform for advancing industrial development, investment and value chain integration. This year’s programme will be held under the theme, “Resilient, Sustainable and Inclusive Industrialisation through Infrastructure Development, Agricultural and Critical Minerals Transformation in Pursuit of a Just World.” According to South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, discussions will focus on accelerating industrialisation through stronger regional cooperation while positioning Southern Africa to benefit from growing global demand for value-added products rather than relying on exports of raw materials. Among the key issues expected to dominate discussions are the development of regional value chains in agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods and critical minerals beneficiation.