The Industrial Development and Market Integration
This pillar will comprise efforts directed towards realising an industrialised regional economy that utilises its natural resources sustainably. Thus, industrial development focusing on the priority sectors of agro-processing, mineral beneficiation, and pharmaceuticals will be prioritised, alongside enhancing regional technological capability and capacity through science, technology and innovation. Related to this, focus will also be placed on transformation of the agricultural sector to promote sustainable management of the environment and natural resources, while ensuring productivity and improved market access for agro-products.
Particular attention will further be placed on the sustainable development of integrated Green and Blue Economies that will be expected to generate revenue and employment. The RISDP will also continue deepening efforts towards the free movement of goods, services, and skills, with increased attention to strengthening cooperation and coordination among Member States in the tourism sector.
A key priority under this pillar will be ensuring macroeconomic convergence, increased financial integration, monetary cooperation, and investment. Interventions will focus on further deepening financial integration and financial inclusion, together with increased monetary cooperation, which will undoubtedly see increased domestic and intra-regional foreign direct investment.
Infrastructure Development in support of Regional Integration
The economic transformation of the SADC region will require adequate and functioning infrastructure that will guide the region towards front-loading industrialisation in the context of evolving technologies. This means that the Infrastructure Development in support of Regional Integration pillar will aim towards interconnected, integrated, and quality seamless infrastructure and networks, including cross-border infrastructure, which will be pivotal in facilitating the movement of people, goods, services, and knowledge. As a result, in the RISDP, priority is also placed on ensuring harmonised policies, strategies, and initiatives in support of cross-border infrastructure and services. Recognising that the requisite regional infrastructure and services hold the key to economic development and regional integration, ensuring affordable access to such infrastructure and services will be vital. Thus, the RISDP identifies diversified regional infrastructure and services as fundamental for facilitating the movement of goods, services, and skills, as well as the development of regional markets for energy, including renewables; information and communications
technology; water; and transport.
Social and Human Capital Development
Social and Human Capital Development is a crucial component of industrialisation and regional integration and involves ensuring that socio-economic development is achieved in a human-centred, inclusive, and sustainable manner. The Social and Human Capital Development pillar, thus, seeks to create such an enabling environment by fostering a virtuous link between economic growth and human well-being, through holistic interventions that leave no one behind and end poverty. Specifically, RISDP 2020–2030 aims at developing modern and well-resourced health systems that are accessible and responsive in addressing the burden of disease and emergencies. This will see a scaling-up of efforts to fight against HIV and AIDS and communicable diseases, as well as investments to address all forms of malnutrition. With a special focus on women, youth, and children, the RISDP also accords attention to enhancing opportunities for all citizens to enjoy socio-economic well-being in a context of improved food and nutrition security. Interventions will include accelerated education and skills development and access to full and productive employment.
