Seven Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states have officially endorsed a bold plan to transform the North-South Corridor (NSC) from a traditional transit route into a dynamic economic corridor designed to drive industrialisation, job creation, and sustainable growth across the region.
At a high-level workshop held in Johannesburg on July 24-25, representatives from Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe joined forces with international cooperation partners and SADC implementing agencies to validate the concept of the NSC Economic Corridor Pilot Programme.
The initiative aims to evolve the corridor—historically a vital trade and transport artery—into a smart, integrated economic zone.
This transformation is envisioned to unlock the corridor’s vast potential by fostering industrial clusters, improving infrastructure connectivity, and enhancing regional value chains.
By upgrading the North-South Corridor into a multi-sector economic corridor, SADC hopes to accelerate sustainable development while generating employment opportunities for millions.
The corridor, which links landlocked countries to key ports and markets, will serve as a catalyst for regional economic integration.
“This pilot programme lays the foundation for making the NSC a powerhouse of industrialisation and economic transformation,” said one workshop participant. “We are committed to harnessing this corridor to drive shared prosperity and sustainable growth across member states.”
The validation marks a significant milestone in SADC’s broader agenda to deepen regional cooperation and reduce trade barriers, responding to the pressing need for economic diversification amid global challenges.
Moving forward, the involved countries will collaborate closely on implementing infrastructural upgrades, harmonising policies, and attracting investments to realise the corridor’s full potential as a hub for trade, manufacturing, and innovation.
The success of this ambitious project could reshape Southern Africa’s economic landscape, positioning the North-South Corridor as a key driver of inclusive and resilient development for years to come.
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