SADC Pledges to Fast-Track Export-Driven, Inclusive Value Chains Under EU-Backed ATCMA Programme
The Southern African Development Community (SADC), in partnership with the European Union (EU), has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating the development of export-oriented, sustainable, and inclusive value chains through the Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access (ATCMA) Programme.
The announcement was made during the ATCMA Project Stakeholder Engagement Workshop, held from 12 to 13 November 2025 in Gaborone. The €25 million EU-funded initiative aims to strengthen regional trade competitiveness, bolster Quality Infrastructure, and enhance both intra-African and Africa–EU trade. The programme is jointly implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the International Trade Centre (ITC).
Catalin Gherman, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Botswana, emphasised the EU’s commitment to building global partnerships under its Global Gateway Strategy. He noted that the strategy prioritises sustainable and transformative investments across digitalisation, renewable energy, transport, and critical raw materials.
He added that the Global Gateway Africa–Europe Investment Package seeks to support Africa’s green and digital transitions, stimulate sustainable growth and decent job creation, and strengthen key sectors such as health, education, and skills development.
SADC’s Director for Industrial Development and Trade, Mr Dhunraj Kassee, highlighted that the ATCMA Programme aligns closely with the region’s long-term strategies, including the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030 and the Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap 2015–2063. These frameworks aim to deepen regional integration and transition SADC economies from resource dependence to knowledge-driven development.
Kassee noted that the programme is expected to drive industrial transformation, boost manufacturing capacity, enhance value-added exports, and diversify economies across the region. “The ATCMA Programme will help strengthen intra-regional trade, promote innovation, and improve living standards by advancing SADC’s industrialisation and integration agenda,” he said.
Once fully implemented, the programme is anticipated to expand sustainable intra-African and EU–Africa trade by improving market access and strengthening the export competitiveness of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in selected value chains. This is expected to reinforce mutually beneficial trade ties between the EU and the SADC region.
The workshop brought together representatives from the SADC Secretariat, the EU Delegation to Botswana, the SADC Business Council, UNIDO, ITC, and ATCMA focal points from both public and private sectors across Member States.
