Angola will become the 14th SADC Member State to join the regional market, marking a historic step in consolidating the SADC Free Trade Area, the most significant milestone in the past decade.
This step was confirmed by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat, with support from the Cooperation for the Enhancement of SADC Regional Economic Integration (CESARE) programme, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and co-financed by the European Union (EU) through GIZ, from the 17 to 21 February 2025, in Luanda.
Dhunraj Kassee, Director of the Industrial Development and Trade Directorate (IDT) at the SADC Secretariat, said the trade zone serves as a catalyst for economic growth, enhances consumer choices, attracts investment and generates employment opportunities aligned with the SADC Treaty’s core objectives of poverty alleviation and improved living standards across the region.
Anatoly Domingos, Director for Integration and Economic Development at Angola’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, expressed appreciation for the unwavering support of the SADC Secretariat and fellow member states. He emphasised that Angola has been a key economic player within the SADC region and that formal accession to the Protocol on Trade will further enhance trade relations, boost economic cooperation, and position Angola as a vital hub for regional commerce.
With Angola’s inclusion, the SADC Free Trade Area takes a bold step forward, unlocking new avenues for industrial development, investment, and cross-border trade in Southern Africa.
Upcoming meetings in mid-2025, are expected to finalize the legal and procedural steps, ensuring a smooth and efficient implementation of Angola’s inclusion.