Communique – Appointment of Chief Executive Officer of the SADC Economic Development Board
May 2, 2025
Investment Facts & Figures
$41.7B
FDI Inflows
Annual Direct Investment into SADC region(2022)
5.2%
GDP Growth
Average projected regional growth rate(2023-2025)
60%
Young Population
Percentage of Population under 25 years of age
Key Investment Sectors in SADC
Mining & Minerals
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SADC holds some of the world's largest reserves of platinum, diamonds, gold, chromium, and cobalt. The region accounts for over 50% of the world's vanadium, platinum, and diamonds.
Percentage of Global Production of Minerals
75% Platinum
50% Diamonds
20% Gold
Key Investment Opportunities:
• Automotive components
• Textiles and apparel
• Pharmaceuticals
• Electronics and consumer goods
• Automotive components
• Textiles and apparel
• Pharmaceuticals
• Electronics and consumer goods
Agriculture & Agro-processing
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With 50% of the region's land being arable and diverse climatic conditions, SADC offers immense agricultural potential. Only 15% of arable land is currently cultivated, presenting significant opportunities.
Arable land Usage
15% Cultivated
1.2 million km² Total Agricultural Land
Agriculture Contribution to GDP
Key Investment Opportunities:
•Commercial farming and irrigation
• Food processing and packaging
• Cold chain logistics
• Agricultural technology and inputs
•Commercial farming and irrigation
• Food processing and packaging
• Cold chain logistics
• Agricultural technology and inputs
Energy
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SADC has vast energy resources including hydropower potential of over 150,000 MW, abundant solar and wind resources, and significant coal and natural gas reserves.
SADC Energy Mix Potential
Hydro
Solar
Wind
Gas
Coal
Key Investment Opportunities:
• Renewable energy generation
• Power transmission and distribution
• Off-grid and mini-grid solutions
• Energy storage technologies
• Renewable energy generation
• Power transmission and distribution
• Off-grid and mini-grid solutions
• Energy storage technologies
Manufacturing
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The manufacturing sector in SADC is growing, with opportunities for value addition to the region's abundant raw materials. The sector contributes approximately 11% to regional GDP.
Manufacturing Growth by Country
6.5% South Africa
8.5% Tanzania
7.5% Mozambique
Key Investment Opportunities:
• Automotive components
• Textiles and apparel
• Pharmaceuticals
• Electronics and consumer goods
• Automotive components
• Textiles and apparel
• Pharmaceuticals
• Electronics and consumer goods
ICT & Digital Economy
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The digital economy in SADC is growing rapidly with mobile penetration exceeding 80% and internet usage growing at 20% annually. The sector is projected to contribute over $180 billion to the regional economy by 2025.
Digital Penetration
30% Mobile
95.2 Mobile Penetration
88.5% 3G Population Coverage
Key Investment Opportunities:
• Automotive components
• Textiles and apparel
• Pharmaceuticals
• Electronics and consumer goods
• Automotive components
• Textiles and apparel
• Pharmaceuticals
• Electronics and consumer goods
Tourism
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SADC is home to world-renowned tourist attractions including Victoria Falls, Kruger National Park, and Zanzibar. The sector contributes over $20 billion annually to the regional economy.
Top Tourist Destinations
Victoria Falls
Kruger Park
Zanzibar
Key Investment Opportunities:
• Eco-tourism and conservation
• Hospitality infrastructure
• Adventure and cultural tourism
• Tourism technology platforms
• Eco-tourism and conservation
• Hospitality infrastructure
• Adventure and cultural tourism
• Tourism technology platforms
Investment News
Building the Future: Sustainability, Innovation, Blue Economy, and Digital Transformation in SADC
April 29, 2025
EAC–SADC Business Forum
April 25, 2025
USA TODAY Report Highlights Key Economic Sectors in SADC
April 23, 2025
Contact Us
Ezekiel Mukanga
1 Mulholland Drive, Chisipite
Harare, Zimbabwe