Zimbabwe has assumed leadership of the SADC Council of Ministers, taking over from Angola, in anticipation of the 44th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government. At this summit, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa is set to become the chairperson of the organisation.

In his address, Zimbabwe's Foreign Affairs Minister Frederick Shava stated that the nation will prioritise enhancing food security and promoting peace and stability throughout the region during its term, The Herald reports.

He also stressed the need to encourage innovation and generate opportunities for young people by pursuing sustainable industrialisation and economic growth.

Furthermore, Zimbabwe also hosted the 7th annual SADC Industrialisation Week, where discussions on regional economic issues took place with the private sector.

Shava stated that achieving the SADC Vision 2050 and the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030 would require active involvement from the private sector.

The departing Chairperson of the Council of Ministers, Angolan Minister of Foreign Affairs Tete Antonio, highlighted that under Angola's leadership, the region had achieved several milestones consistent with the theme of the 43rd SADC Summit, entitled Human and Financial Capital: The Key Drivers for Sustainable Industrialisation in the SADC Region, which was adopted in August 2023 in Luanda, Angola. 

He also emphasised the importance of building both human and financial capital to achieve sustainable industrialisation in the region.

Moreover, SADC Executive Secretary His Excellency Mr Elias M. Magosi praised Zimbabwe for its leadership in advancing the SADC industrialisation agenda, noting its role since hosting the 34th SADC Summit in 2014 and chairing the organisation from 2014 to 2015 in Victoria Falls.  

This led to the creation and adoption of the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap 2015-2063.