This past week, the bustling city of Harare, Zimbabwe, played host to the 7th SADC Industrialisation Week (SIW), just ahead of the 44th SADC Summit of Heads of States. The forum convened a remarkable gathering of delegates, including high-profile figures such as President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Deputy President Retired Dr. Constantino Chiwenga. Amidst these luminaries was Thulebona Mhlanga, a highly skilled professional whose expertise spans business, finance, economic transformation, and green energy.
A Platform for Innovative Discussions
The SIW was not just another conference; it was a platform for robust discussions on promoting innovation to unlock sustainable economic growth across the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Attendees engaged in lively debates on how to harness Africa’s natural resources and collective strengths to attract investments and drive radical industrialisation.
Thulebona Mhlanga took part in these discussions with her characteristic enthusiasm, contributing her insights on the pivotal role of the private sector in enhancing regional industrialisation. “The private sector is key to improving infrastructure development and fostering investment in our region,” she stated, capturing the essence of the conversations taking place.
Key Takeaways from the Forum
Among the many enlightening moments during the SIW, several key takeaways emerged:
- Leveraging Natural Resources: Africa is blessed with abundant resources, and it must leverage this collective strength to attract investments for industrialisation.
- Value Chain Participation: Businesses within the SADC must engage in both regional and global value chains to realize the SADC industrialisation strategy.
- Private Sector Involvement: The private sector plays a pivotal role in enhancing regional industrialisation, improving infrastructure, and bolstering investments.
- Reforming Financial Structures: The global financial architecture needs reform to be more inclusive, benefiting all countries within the SADC.
- Supporting SMEs: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and a competitive business environment are crucial in expediting industrialisation and fostering intra-African trade.
In his keynote address, President Mnangagwa passionately proclaimed, “Nyiko inovakwa nevhanu vayo,” which loosely translates to “a country is built by its own people.” He urged all SADC nations to invest in technology and human capital to transform their economies.
Thulebona: A Voice for Change
Thulebona’s extensive background—over 10 years of experience in research, writing, and policy development—positions her as a thought leader in these discussions. She has been instrumental in pioneering research initiatives, including the establishment of the BRICS New Development Bank and the ABSIP Township Economy Indaba.
Beyond her impressive credentials, she is a certified life and business coach, running her own ventures: Funda Nathi, a specialized writing consultancy, and Epiphany, an online life coaching business. Her work has garnered attention on platforms like The Morning Show and PowerFM.
Thulebona’s contributions to entrepreneurship programs, such as her involvement with the African LeadershipAcademy (ALA) and AFDA School of Business Innovation & Entrepreneurship, highlight her commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders.
A Call to Action
As the SIW drew to a close, the message was clear: Let us work together to build the Africa we want. The forum’s energy and collaborative spirit exemplified the potential that exists when leaders, innovators, and visionaries come together with a common purpose.
Thulebona Mhlanga’s role in this pivotal event emphasizes the importance of proactive leadership in driving Africa’s industrialisation agenda. Her insights and commitment to economic transformation inspire us all to contribute to a brighter, more inclusive future for the continent.
For more insights and updates from the event, check out Thulebona Mhlanga’s LinkedIn and follow the conversation on Twitter using the hashtags #SADC and #Industrialisation.
