A communiqué released at end of the 39th Sadc Summit in Tanzania says there was an overall decline in food production in the region during the 2018/19 season.

The Sadc communiqué indicates the Sadc region forfeits its potential as it exports raw material to the rest of the world.  “Summit noted progress made on the implementation of the Sadc Industrialisation Strategy and approved the Protocol on Industry, which aims to promote the development of a diversified, innovative and globally competitive industrial base,” the communiqué in part reads.

The communiqué comes as Malawi’s second round crop estimates, however, show that the country expects a surplus of 355 000 metric tonnes this year. On the other hand, a number of agreements have been signed to increase intra-trade and job creation within the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) region, as revealed by Vice-President Everton Chimulirenji.

Representing Malawi and speaking to journalists, Chimulirenji said the summit resolved that member States should promote women representation in politics and economic decision- making because, like men, they also contribute towards economic growth and development in the region.