SADC Highlights Economic Priorities to EU in AfCFTA Context
Ms. Angele Makombo N’tumba, the Deputy Executive Secretary Responsible for Regional Integration for the Southern African Development Community (SADC), elucidated the economic opportunities within the SADC region to the European Union (EU) against the backdrop of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The insightful discourse took place during the annual EU Africa Regional Trade Seminar held on 22nd February 2024.
The seminar, conducted in a hybrid format, convened at the EU delegation offices in Gaborone, Botswana, with participation from various stakeholders, including representatives from the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.
Ms. Makombo N’tumba underscored the pivotal role of the AfCFTA in shaping Africa’s trade aspirations and fostering regional economic integration. Highlighting the EU’s significant contribution, accounting for 28% of Africa’s total trade, she emphasized the mutual benefits of robust EU-Africa trade relations.
She portrayed the AfCFTA as a catalyst for industrialization and integration within the SADC region, essential for unlocking Africa’s economic potential and driving transformative growth.
Central to her presentation were the priorities outlined in the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP 2020-2030) and Vision 2050, emphasizing industrial development, value addition, and innovation to harness economic potential and foster competitiveness.
Addressing challenges in AfCFTA implementation, Ms. Makombo N’tumba advocated for the establishment of a SADC-AfCFTA consultative forum to facilitate regional consultations and monitor progress effectively.
She also stressed the importance of regulatory harmonization to address potential disparities across different Regional Economic Communities (RECs).
Her Excellency Ambassador Petra Pereyra, the Head of the EU Delegation to Botswana, commended SADC Member States for their collaborative efforts in supporting EU partnership initiatives, highlighting the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) as a mechanism contributing to regional development and offering potential benefits to the entire continent.
Ms. Cristina Miranda Gozalvez, Head of the Unit of Relations with African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) Countries in the Directorate General for Trade of the European Commission, emphasized the seminar’s significance in shaping EU trade policy for Africa.
She reiterated the EU’s commitment to reinforcing engagement with the continent to support stability and prosperity through mutual consent.
The seminar, attended by EU trade officials from across Africa and representatives from the Directorate General for Trade of the European Commission, facilitated constructive dialogue on bolstering EU-Africa trade ties.
Ms. Makombo N’tumba was accompanied by Mr. Dhunraj Kassee, Director for Industrial Development and Trade at the SADC Secretariat, alongside other senior officials from both sides, highlighting the commitment to fostering fruitful collaboration between SADC and the EU.
Additional source: SADC Secretariat
