SADC called to end raw-material exports
Written by Martin Endjala on August 18, 2026
South African president Cyril Ramaphosa says the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is still not fully utilising its potential, as the region continues to export raw materials instead of adding value locally.
Speaking at the 46th SADC Summit in Durban, South Africa on Monday, Ramaphosa says the region must end its reliance on importing goods and services that could be produced by member states.
“We continue to import too many goods that we could produce in our countries. We continue to export services from elsewhere while our people have the capacity,” he says.
Ramaphosa says SADC’s more than 400 million people deserve to see tangible economic benefits from regional integration.
He calls for the acceleration of economic transformation focused on value addition, saying the region should move from exporting cheap raw materials to processing and manufacturing finished products locally.
“This strategy builds local industries, creates better jobs, keeps money inside the country, and helps fix past economic loss,” he says.
Ramaphosa also urges the summit to accelerate the implementation of regional programmes and invest boldly in infrastructure, including modern ports to connect Southern Africa to viable markets within and beyond the region.
He calls for stronger investment in energy generation and cross-border water infrastructure, saying access to safe drinking water is a right for every citizen.
Ramaphosa further calls for a regional climate and food resilience mechanism, strengthened agricultural expertise and collective action whenever the region’s security is threatened.
