The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat hosted a special Trade and Negotiation Forum (TNF) meeting to discuss Angola's accession to the SADC Free Trade Area (FTA). The meeting was held in Luanda, Angola, from 07-11 October 2024. Once the process of negotiations among SADC Member States is finalised Angola will gain access to the broader SADC regional market, benefiting from reduced tariffs and non-tariff barriers and the other Members will also have more favourable market access of their goods into the Angolan market.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Dhunraj Kassee, Director of the Industrial Development and Trade Directorate (IDT) at the SADC Secretariat acknowledged the critical logistical support provided by the Government of Angola towards convening of the meeting. He also thanked GIZ for their extended support. Mr. Kassee reaffirmed SADC’s commitment to supporting Angola's integration into the SADC FTA and expressed hope that negotiators would finalise the tariff offer, allowing the private sector to begin benefiting from tariff liberalisation.
Mr. Aleck Masveure, Deputy Director of International Trade in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and International Trade of the Republic of Zimbabwe as Chairperson of the dedicated session welcomed participants and thanked the Angolan government for the warm reception and for organising the meeting. Mr. Masveure expressed optimism that significant progress would be made during the negotiations, enabling increased trade between Angola and other SADC member states.
Speaking on behalf of the host country, Dr. Augusta Fortes, Secretary of State for Trade and Services in the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Angola, emphasised that Angola’s accession to the SADC FTA is a strategic move, creating new trade opportunities for the country. Dr. Fortes expressed her hope that the meeting would be a meaningful step toward Angola’s participation in regional integration efforts and that this accession would bring tangible benefits for Angola and the entire SADC region.
