The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Executive Secretary, His Excellency Mr. Elias Mpedi Magosi, has urged the region’s trade ministers to embrace a bold, unified approach to trade integration, in the face of what he described as the most volatile geopolitical landscape in over 80 years. He made the call during his address at the opening of the 34th Committee of Ministers of Trade (CMT) in Harare today.
Mr. Magosi acknowledged Zimbabwe’s hospitality and praised the leadership of the CMT Chairperson, Honourable Professor Amon Murwira, for steering crucial regional engagements, including the recent Transfrontier Conservation Areas Summit. He emphasized that the region must confront the challenges posed by shifting global trade dynamics, most notably new tariffs, funding uncertainties, and a retreat from traditional trade partnerships.
“These developments have redefined trade relationships and threatened the established world trade order,” Mr. Magosi stated. “It is naïve to hope that the old order will simply return. Instead, we must define our trade terms and develop robust negotiation strategies that serve our interests.”
Highlighting the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) as a case in point, Mr. Magosi lamented the 10% blanket tariff imposed on imports to the United States and the uncertainty over AGOA’s renewal this September. He warned that relying on external trade preferences could be “suicidal” and urged SADC nations to focus on strengthening intra-regional trade.
Mr. Magosi revealed that intra-SADC merchandise trade currently stands at just 18% and services trade at a paltry 2.5%, figures that starkly contrast with SADC’s goal of fostering regional economic integration. He stressed the importance of reflecting on why traders prefer extra-SADC markets and pledged that the Secretariat would soon present policy recommendations to boost intra-regional trade.
On the achievements front, Mr. Magosi lauded Angola’s progress towards full participation in the SADC Free Trade Area (FTA), noting that Angola’s tariff offer had been recommended for approval. He encouraged all member states that have not yet joined the FTA to do so, highlighting its potential to unlock a market of over 380 million people and a GDP exceeding USD 841 billion.
The Executive Secretary also outlined key trade instruments ready for ministerial approval, including amendments to SADC Rules of Origin, the SADC Regional Competition Policy Framework, and new guidelines to facilitate trade in services and skills mobility. These, he said, are essential for driving industrialization, enhancing trade facilitation, and consolidating the SADC Free Trade Area.
Closing his address, Mr. Magosi reaffirmed the Secretariat’s commitment to implementing decisions from the meeting and working towards SADC’s Vision 2050, which aspires to a competitive, integrated regional market. He called on ministers to seize this moment to shape the region’s destiny in global trade and secure shared prosperity.
The meeting is expected to continue this week, with trade ministers deliberating on strategies to strengthen the region’s trade frameworks and enhance intra-African trade integration.
