Angola is set to become the 14th member state of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Free Trade Area (FTA), representing a significant development for the regional market.
The announcement was made by the SADC Secretariat at a Trade Negotiating Forum (TNF) in Luanda last week.
In his opening address, Dhunraj Kassee, Director of the Industrial Development and Trade Directorate at the SADC Secretariat, said the accession unlocked immense economic opportunities, as Angola would benefit from reduced tariffs and the elimination of non-tariff barriers, promoting smoother trade within the region.
“In turn, other SADC member states will gain improved market access for their goods and services in Angola, driving economic growth and fostering regional prosperity.”
He highlighted that the SADC FTA served as a catalyst for economic growth, enhanced consumer choices, attracted investment, and generated employment opportunities. This aligns with the SADC Treaty’s core objectives of poverty alleviation and improved living standards across the region.
He said he was confident that this milestone would be formally endorsed at the upcoming TNF and Committee of Ministers of Trade meetings in May and June, leading to full ratification and implementation.
After extensive deliberations, Angola successfully accommodated requests from its fellow SADC member states, securing unanimous agreement to join the SADC FTA.
This milestone was not only a victory for Angola but also a significant achievement for the region, reinforcing the SADC’s commitment to deepening economic integration, fostering intraregional trade, and enhancing economic resilience, he added.
“With Angola’s inclusion, the SADC Free Trade Area is taking a bold step forward, unlocking new avenues for industrial development, investment, and cross-border trade,” Kassee said.
“This achievement underscores the region’s collective vision for a more interconnected, economically vibrant southern Africa.”
