The Southern African Development Community (SADC) in Nigeria has Identified innovation as key to unlocking opportunities for sustainable economic growth and development towards an industrialized Africa. Has pledged their commitment to Promoting innovation to unlock opportunities for sustainable economic growth and development towards an industrialized Africa.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Chairman Southern African Development Community, (SADC) Nigeria, Mr. José Bamóquina ZAU, who is the Ambassador of the Republic of Angola, in Nigeria, made the disclosure at the Southern African Development Community, (SADC) 32nd Anniversary celebration in Abuja, Nigeria.
“This is a critical area of focus, as innovation has the potential to drive economic transformation, create jobs, and improve living standards”.
He further explained that the community’s aim is to foster regional cohesion, economic growth and cooperation in Southern and the entire Africa.
He said: “Our mission is clear: to promote sustainable, equitable growth and socioeconomic development through regional cooperation, deep integration, good governance, and lasting peace and security. We are committed to creating a better future for the people of Southern Africa, and we are making steady progress towards achieving our goals’. He explained
Ambassador ZAU, also reiterated continued commitment to work towards achieving lasting peace and security in the region.
“We are also proud of the progress we have made in promoting peace and security in our region. As we celebrate this anniversary, we are reminded of the importance of our partnership with other regions and countries. We appreciate the support and cooperation we have received from the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and we look forward to strengthening our ties with other countries, including Russia”. Zau said
According to the SADC Chairman, the challenges facing the region are handled through collective efforts.
“As we gather here in Abuja, Nigeria, we are reminded of the strong bonds of solidarity and cooperation that exist among the 17 member states of SADC. Over the years, SADC has faced numerous challenges, including the fight against apartheid in South Africa, the consolidation of independence, and the implementation of democratic systems. However, through our collective efforts, we have made significant progress in promoting economic growth, social justice, and human development”. Zau added .
Similarly, the High Commissioner of the Republic of Botswana to Nigeria, Ms. Philda Nani Kereng, the event provides a platform to showcase the continent’s diverse cultural richness.
She said that it also positions Africa as a region of excellence and innovation, encourage cultural exchanges and cross-cultural learning opportunities between different African countries and regions.
” This can foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the continent’s cultural diversity. We need to collaborate with media partners to create more positive and inspiring content about Africa. Share African cultural narratives, reaching a wider audience both within and outside the continent.This can help project a unified image of Africa as a region of the future with unique cultural offerings”.Ms Kereng said.
She also advocated for the need to leverage digital platforms and social media to change the narrative about Africa.
“We need to collaborate with media partners to create more positive and inspiring content about Africa. Share African cultural narratives, reaching a wider audience both within and outside the continent.This can help project a unified image of Africa as a region of the future with unique cultural offerings”.
Also speaking, the Director General Voice of Nigeria (VON) Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, said, the media is in the best place to project Africa’s narrative to the world
“We need to be intentional about creating a positive narrative about Africa and Africans. The Voice of Nigeria is a public platform established to consistently create a positive narrative about Nigeria and Nigerians, Africa and Africans. We broadcast in eight languages, including four indigenous languages and four international languages, to reach a broader audience.”
“As Director General, I’m committed to deepening our engagement with the international community. I’m currently exploring opportunities to broadcast in Mandarin, courtesy of our partnership with the Chinese government. This collaboration will enable us to reach a vast audience in China and promote cultural exchange between our nations.” Mallam Ndace said.
The Director General Voice of Nigeria added that there was a need to create opportunities for Africans to experience the beauty and diversity of the continent firsthand.
“To achieve this, I propose that we establish a partnership between SADC countries and the Voice of Nigeria. We can work together to promote positive narratives about our continent, encourage travel, and foster cultural exchange. We can offer our platforms to journalists from SADC countries to share their stories, and vice versa. By working together, we can create a unified narrative that showcases the best of Africa. Let’s define ourselves by our strengths, our resilience, and our beauty”.
“I offer the Voice of Nigeria platform to all SADC countries willing to work with us to consistently tell positive stories about Africa. Let’s unite in our efforts to promote a positive narrative about our continent. Let’s celebrate our common future and work towards a brighter tomorrow for all Africans.” He added.
Other highlights at the events were announcement of the transfer of chairmanship from President Joe Manuel Mrosso of Mozambique to President Emerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, as well as display of native foods and cultural dance.