Communique – Appointment of Chief Executive Officer of the SADC Economic Development Board
May 2, 2025
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Investment Facts & Figures
$41.7B
FDI Inflows
Annual direct investment into SADC (2022)
5.2%
GDP Growth
Avg. projected regional growth (2023–2025)
60%
Young Population
Population under 25 years
Key Investment Sectors in SADC
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
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 km²Total Agricultural Land
—Agriculture % of GDP
Key Investment Opportunities:
• Commercial farming & irrigation
• Food processing & packaging
• Cold chain logistics
• Agri-tech & inputs
• Commercial farming & irrigation
• Food processing & packaging
• Cold chain logistics
• Agri-tech & inputs
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 generation
• Transmission & distribution
• Off-grid & mini-grid
• Energy storage
• Renewable generation
• Transmission & distribution
• Off-grid & mini-grid
• Energy storage
The manufacturing sector in SADC is growing, with opportunities for value addition to the region's abundant raw materials. The sector contributes ~11% to regional GDP.
Manufacturing Growth by Country
6.5%South Africa
8.5%Tanzania
7.5%Mozambique
Key Investment Opportunities:
• Automotive components
• Textiles & apparel
• Pharmaceuticals
• Electronics & consumer goods
• Automotive components
• Textiles & apparel
• Pharmaceuticals
• Electronics & consumer goods
The digital economy in SADC is expanding, with high mobile penetration and fast-growing internet usage.
Digital Penetration
30%Mobile
95.2Mobile Penetration
88.5%3G Coverage
Key Investment Opportunities:
• Fintech & e-commerce
• Digital infrastructure
• Cloud & data services
• GovTech solutions
• Fintech & e-commerce
• Digital infrastructure
• Cloud & data services
• GovTech solutions
SADC hosts world-renowned sites including Victoria Falls, Kruger National Park, and Zanzibar, contributing significantly to the regional economy.
Top Tourist Destinations
Victoria Falls
Kruger Park
Zanzibar
Key Investment Opportunities:
• Eco-tourism & conservation
• Hospitality infrastructure
• Adventure & cultural tourism
• Tourism tech platforms
• Eco-tourism & conservation
• Hospitality infrastructure
• Adventure & cultural tourism
• Tourism tech platforms
Contact Us
Ezekiel Mukanga
1 Mulholland Drive, Chisipite
Harare, Zimbabwe