The interplay between structural transformation and poverty alleviation in SADC. A value-added analysis per sector

How is structural transformation related to poverty reduction using a value-added analysis per Southern African Development Community (SADC) sector? SADC endures premature deindustrialisation and high poverty levels. The study investigated the gross domestic product value-added proportion in the manufacturing, service, agricultural, and industrial sectors. This study used a panel autoregressive and distributed lag to examine the relationship between structural transformation and poverty. The study's results indicated that the agricultural and manufacturing sectors were useful for poverty reduction in the short run. In the long run, however, the service and industrial sectors were found to be essential for reducing poverty. These findings indicate that the SADC must prioritise the efficient functioning of the agricultural, manufacturing, service, and industrial sectors for meaningful poverty reduction. It is suggested that the SADC craft robust policies for the service and industrial sectors, harness modern technology, and invest in research and development.