Duma Boko has called for faster industrialisation across Southern Africa, urging countries to shift from exporting raw materials to producing finished goods that can drive long-term economic growth.
Speaking after touring exhibition stands at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair 2026 in Bulawayo, Boko said the range of industries on display signals a region increasingly ready to take charge of its development trajectory.
“The region wants to industrialise and industrialise very fast, so we must produce raw material and then convert this raw material into products that we can deploy in our development agenda,” he said.
Boko pointed to strong participation from sectors such as agriculture, construction, manufacturing and food processing, noting that businesses are already demonstrating the capacity to anchor this transition. He described the trade fair as a “brilliant initiative” that brings together both established companies and emerging enterprises under one platform.
He also underscored the growing influence of youth and technology, particularly in artificial intelligence and innovation, arguing that the region is no longer confined to consuming knowledge but is increasingly generating it.
“You can see that our people… and young persons also in tech and artificial intelligence… it shows that we are not just mere purveyors of knowledge, we are generators of knowledge as well,” Boko said.
The Botswana leader added that the quality of products on display reflects a region capable of producing globally competitive goods, strengthening the case for deeper industrial linkages and expanded intra-regional trade.
His remarks come amid renewed efforts by Southern African countries to leverage platforms such as ZITF to boost cooperation, accelerate industrial growth and unlock greater value from local resources.
