Investment protocols might be revised, as SADC needs to re-envisage itself as an investment destination. It currently receives mostly resource-based investment in subsequent supporting service industries. The end of 2014 saw sharp declines in commodity prices, especially oil, and forecasts show a sluggish return to previous levels. This requires SADC policymakers to take a new look at current investment policies and attitudes. Global value chains and spatial factors show that dated ideological policymaking will need to be replaced with proven, growth-orientated developmental strategies.