Ministers responsible for Trade, Industry and Regional Economic Integration from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) met virtually on 12 June 2026 to review progress and advance the region’s agenda on trade, industrialisation and economic integration.
The meetings included the 35th Meeting of the Committee of Ministers of Trade (CMT) and the 25th Meeting of the Ministerial Task Force on Regional Economic Integration (MTF).
Both meetings were chaired by Honourable Mr. Mpho Parks Franklyn Tau, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition of the Republic of South Africa and Chairperson of the SADC Committee of Ministers of Trade and the Ministerial Task Force on Regional Economic Integration.
In her remarks, SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, Ms. Angele Makombo N’Tumba reaffirmed the importance of regional integration as a catalyst for economic growth, industrialisation and sustainable development. She highlighted the need to strengthen intra-regional trade, enhance regional value chains, promote investment, and deepen cooperation among Member States in response to evolving global economic developments.
The Committee of Ministers of Trade reviewed progress in implementing regional trade programmes and initiatives aimed at strengthening the SADC Free Trade Area and improving the regional trading environment.
Ministers considered measures to enhance market integration, facilitate trade, address barriers to trade, and strengthen the implementation of regional trade instruments. The meeting also noted ongoing efforts to expand participation in the SADC Free Trade Area and welcomed progress in supporting greater regional economic integration.
The Committee further approved important regional trade instruments that will contribute to a more predictable, transparent and rules-based trading environment, while supporting trade facilitation and improving the movement of goods across the region.
The Ministerial Task Force reviewed progress in implementing the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap 2015-2063, the flagship framework guiding the region’s long-term industrial transformation agenda.
Ministers noted progress made in advancing industrial development, strengthening regional value chains, improving standards and quality infrastructure, and promoting productive capacity across Member States.
The meeting also considered the findings of the comprehensive review of the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap, which seeks to ensure that the strategy remains responsive to emerging regional and global developments, including digital transformation, climate resilience, sustainable industrialisation and opportunities arising from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Recognising the critical role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in economic growth and job creation, Ministers reviewed progress in implementing the SADC SME Development and Competitiveness Strategy. The meeting reaffirmed the importance of strengthening support mechanisms for SMEs, enhancing their participation in regional value chains, and improving access to markets and opportunities across the region.
Ministers also reviewed progress in promoting minerals beneficiation and value addition as part of efforts to maximise the developmental benefits of the region’s abundant natural resources.
The meeting welcomed initiatives aimed at strengthening collaboration between governments, industry and investors to support sustainable mining development, regional value chains and industrialisation.
The meetings further considered initiatives aimed at improving the region’s competitiveness, investment climate and business environment. Ministers highlighted the importance of policy coherence, infrastructure development, trade facilitation and investment promotion in supporting economic transformation and regional integration.
They also reiterated the importance of aligning regional initiatives with continental frameworks, particularly the African Continental Free Trade Area, to unlock new opportunities for trade, investment and industrial development.
The outcomes of the two ministerial meetings restate SADC’s commitment to building a more integrated, industrialised and competitive region. Ministers reiterated the importance of collective action in advancing regional priorities and promoting sustainable economic development for the benefit of the people of Southern Africa.
SADC will continue to work closely with Member States, regional institutions, the private sector and cooperating partners to implement regional programmes that contribute to economic growth, industrialisation, trade expansion and shared prosperity across the region.
