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Angola is at an advanced stage towards becoming the 14th Southern African Development Community (SADC) member state to join the SADC Free Trade Area (FTA) – a regional market where the country will benefit from reduced tariffs and non-tariff barriers.
This emerged at a meeting in Luanda, Angola, from February 17 to 21, 2025, that was a follow-up to a previous session held in October 2024 in the same city.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Dunraj Kassee, the Director of Industrial Development and Trade, speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the SADC Secretariat, Mr. Elias Magosi, and the Deputy Executive Secretary Madame Angel Makombo Ntumb, said the SADC FTA membership fosters economic growth, enhances consumer choices, attracts investment, and increases market opportunities leading to job creation in exporting countries.
“Angola is the second biggest economy in our region therefore, positive gains are anticipated especially for the private sector and our business community at large. Opportunities will be unlocked for the people of Angola. More jobs will be created in the production of goods for export to regional and continental markets,” Mr. Kassee said.
Providing remarks on behalf of the SADC Chairperson, Mr Tatenda Zichewu, representing Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, welcomed participants and extended gratitude to the Angolan government for its hospitality. He commended the SADC Secretariat for convening this second dedicated forum, allowing member states to review, negotiate, and potentially finalize Angola’s tariff offer.
Speaking on behalf of the host country, Mr. Anatoly Domingos, Director for Integration and Economic Development, noted significant progress has been made since 2018 to ensure Angola accedes to the FTA. He thanked the SADC Secretariat and member states for their support.
Noting Angola’s existing role as a key partner in the SADC region, he emphasized that its accession to the Protocol on Trade would further strengthen economic and trade relations among member states.
Angola’s accession to the SADC Free Trade Area brings with it a wide array of opportunities, not just for Angola itself, but for the broader region. The removal of trade barriers and the promotion of free and fair trade will open up new avenues for businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs, fostering an environment conducive to economic growth and regional integration. This move is also a clear sign of Angola’s commitment to adhering to the principles of inclusivity, cooperation, and regional solidarity, all of which are central to the SADC’s vision for a prosperous Southern Africa.
Furthermore, Angola’s decision aligns perfectly with the broader goals of SADC’s integration agenda, particularly as we continue to work towards achieving economic diversification, infrastructure development, and industrialization. Angola’s rich natural resources, strategic geographical location, and burgeoning sectors will undoubtedly contribute to the overall dynamism of the region’s economic landscape
