Madagascar is set to host the 8th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Industrialization Week, which will draw more than 500 delegates from across the region from July 28 to August 1 to focus on advancing industrial and economic transformation.
The event, organized by the SADC Secretariat in collaboration with the Madagascar government, the Syndicat des Industries Madagascar and the SADC Business Council, is the region’s largest public-private platform to promote industrial development.
Madagascar’s Minister of Industrialization and Trade David Ralambofiringa announced at a press conference in Antananarivo that the theme of this year’s forum is “Advancing Industrialization, Agricultural Transformation and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC.”
The week-long event will feature exhibitions, expert panel discussions, field visits and seminars covering strategic sectors such as mineral beneficiation, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals and energy transition. A key highlight will be a session to assess opportunities in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
SIW 2025 also aims to launch the SADC Industrialization Strategy and Roadmap 2015-2063, promote public-private partnerships and accelerate private sector-driven initiatives to boost regional trade and investment.
Following successful past editions in countries such as Eswatini, South Africa, Namibia, Tanzania, Malawi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zimbabwe, this year’s meeting in Madagascar is expected to deepen regional cooperation and promote industrial innovation across Southern Africa.