SADC Convenes Key Trade Standards Meetings in Johannesburg
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat is set to convene a series of Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Cooperation Structures meetings in Johannesburg from 23 to 27 March 2026, in a move aimed at strengthening regional trade integration.
The meetings are being held under Article 11 of the TBT Annex to the SADC Protocol on Trade, which seeks the progressive elimination of technical barriers to trade among Member States and between SADC and other regional and international trading blocs.
The gathering will bring together experts and policymakers to deliberate on Standardisation, Quality Assurance, Accreditation and Metrology (SQAM), key pillars in facilitating smoother trade across borders.
The discussions are expected to support the implementation of the SADC Free Trade Area, which promotes regional economic integration by removing import tariffs and reducing non-tariff barriers.
Since its establishment in 2008, the SADC Free Trade Area has played a critical role in advancing trade liberalisation, industrialisation and poverty reduction across the region.
According to the Secretariat, the meetings will focus on reviewing progress made in the implementation of annual work plans by the TBT Cooperation Structures and national SQAM institutions.
Delegates will also validate proposed clauses for inclusion in the TBT Annex to the Protocol on Trade and consider the endorsement of a draft regional Quality Infrastructure Strategy.
Key outcomes are expected to include agreements on issues to be escalated to the SADC Committee of Ministers of Trade, as well as strengthened frameworks to support Member States in implementing regional and continental trade agreements, including the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Participants will include representatives from all SADC Member States, spanning institutions responsible for trade, technical regulations, legal frameworks, scientific and industrial metrology, standardisation and accreditation. The private sector and international cooperating partners are also expected to take part.
In a related development, outstanding companies and individuals from the 2025/26 edition of the SADC Quality Awards competition will be honoured during the event, receiving trophies and certificates in recognition of excellence in quality and standards.
