For years, the region has spoken about mineral beneficiation and industrialisation as pathways to economic transformation. But there is a fundamental question we must confront: can we truly industrialise without reliable energy?

In his latest article, “We Cannot Beneficiate Minerals on a Weak Grid,” published in The Botswana Guardian, the SADC-DFRC CEO, Mr. Zwelibanzi Sapula, explores the energy–industrialisation nexus and what it means for the future of the region.

The message is clear:
-Energy is not just a supporting sector, it is the backbone of industrialisation
-Energy-intensive industries cannot thrive on unstable or insufficient power supply
-Without strategic investment in electricity systems, beneficiation ambitions will remain out of reach.

The region must be intentional about moving up the value chain, from exporting raw minerals to producing finished goods, then grid stability, generation capacity, and cross-border energy integration must become top priorities.

This is not just an infrastructure challenge. It is a development finance challenge, a policy challenge, and ultimately, a strategic economic imperative.

At SADC-DFRC, we believe the conversation on industrialisation must go hand in hand with bold, coordinated action on energy systems.

How is your institution or country addressing the energy constraints to industrialisation?
What innovative financing or partnerships can accelerate progress in this space?

Read more: PressReader.com | We can­not bene­fi­ci­ate min­er­als on a weak grid