The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has long championed economic integration and industrial development as key drivers for sustainable growth in its Member States. In this context, the SADC AfCFTA Coordination Plan Validation Workshop, held on 4-6 March 2025 in Harare, Zimbabwe, marked a significant milestone in the region’s commitment to implement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This workshop brought together key stakeholders from across the region to validate the SADC AfCFTA Coordination Plan and strategise on its effective implementation.
With support from the German Development Cooperation, through the GIZ Cooperation for the Enhancement of SADC Regional Economic Integration (CESARE) programme, alongside funding from the European Union through the EU Technical Assistance Facility (EU-TAF), the workshop provided a platform for policy makers, the private sector and development partners to align efforts towards ensuring that SADC maximises the benefits of the AfCFTA.
In a statement delivered on behalf of the Chairperson of the SADC Business Council, Mrs Sekai Kuwarika, it was highlighted that Council’s partnership with the SADC Secretariat, through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in October 2023, provides the basis of collaboration “on infrastructure development, industrial growth and human capital enhancement in the region. This partnership underscores the critical role that businesses play in shaping policies and driving economic initiatives”.
On behalf of H.E Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, Mr Rongai Chizema - AfCFTA Implementation and Coordination Expert, congratulated the SADC Secretariat for initiating the process to develop a regional strategy to enhance implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement. He further underscored the critical role of Regional Economic Communities (RECs) play in driving the implementation of the AfCFTA and facilitating cross-border trade and economic development across the continent.
The European Union (EU) Delegation to Zimbabwe, represented by Mr Bernard De Schrevel, Team Leader, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting economic integration efforts in Africa through the provision of technical assistance and financial support through the Team Europe Initiative.
In his remarks, Mr Malcolm McKinnon, Principal Trade Advisor at the SADC Secretariat, pointed out that the region’s strategic frameworks, including the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030 and the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap (2015–2063), emphasise industrialisation, private sector development and enhanced connectivity as pillars of sustained growth. Thus, ensuring a coordinated approach will facilitate the progressive harmonisation of trade policies, enhance supply chain integration, and strengthen infrastructure development to support the private sector and industrial competitiveness. This was augmented by the representative from Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, who pointed out that “the overall objective is clear: to facilitate the effective and coordinated implementation of the AfCFTA across the SADC Member States”.
A major part of the discussions in the three-day workshop revolved around the key implementation pillars, which are: Capacity Development, Private Sector Development, Industrial Development, Access to Finance, Resource Mobilisation, Infrastructure Development, Women and Youth Economic Empowerment and the Coordination Mechanisms. Stakeholders emphasised the need for strong public-private partnerships, improved and innovative financing strategies and the need to avoid duplication with existing programmes and processes in the execution of these pillars. Given its role of representing the private sector, the SADC Business Council should play a leading role to drive business engagement, enhance private sector participation in the AfCFTA and ensure that policies are tailored to address real market needs.
Participants also stressed that close collaboration between the SADC and AfCFTA Secretariats is essential for aligning regional trade strategies with continental objectives, ensuring a seamless transition into the AfCFTA framework. The relationship between the AfCFTA and the Tripartite Free Trade Area Agreement, which came into force in July 2024, was also discussed.
The Coordination Plan reaffirms SADC’s commitment to economic integration, industrialisation and inclusive growth. With a clear roadmap, SADC is poised to maximise the AfCFTA benefits. The validated Plan will now be submitted to the SADC structures for endorsement and pave the way for implementation.
