Report on the economic and social Conditions in southern Africa 2012 : eighteenth meeting of the intergovernmental committee Of experts for southern Africa (ICE) Subregional office

Abstract

Southern African countries have experienced strong growth rates averaging about 5 per cent in recent years, indicating that economic activity in the subregion continues to recover. However, this recovery, which is led largely by booms in commodity prices, remains precarious. Given the uncertainty of future demand for primary commodities from Southern Africa’s traditional trading partners, it is critical that SADC countries take this opportunity to diversify their economies. The subregion has yet to take full advantage of the opportunities accorded by such sectors as agriculture and tourism. The report aims to: (a) provide member States with an overview of the economic and social conditions in Southern Africa; and (b) provide policy advice on selected issues in Southern Africa.