Zambian government to host intergovernmental meeting for Southern Africa

Abstract

The ICE under the theme ‘Making natural resources work for Inclusive growth and sustainable development in Southern Africa’ will take place under the auspices of the Zambian Government from 5-7 March, 2014 in the City of Livingstone, Zambia’s tourist capital. Eleven SADC and COMESA member States are expected to participate in the meeting which convenes yearly to discuss topical economic and social developments in the region. The ICE 20thsession will be preceded by an expert group meeting constituted under the same theme. Industry leaders in the areas of natural resources including Regional Economic Communities, the private sec tor, senior government officials, intergovernmental organizations and researches will discuss findings of a study on the same subject. The meeting will make recommendations to the ICE. During the ICE, member States will also review and discuss a report on social and economic conditions in Southern Africa in 2013. The themes of industrialization, tourism and natural resources are anchored on the forecast that Southern Africa will continue being boosted by the exploitation of mineral resources, including new oil fields, agriculture, fisheries, the information sector and tourism.