Angola Finalizes Preparations to Join the SADC Free Trade Area, Strengthening Regional Economic Integration

Angola is set to become the 14th member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Free Trade Area (FTA), following the successful conclusion of a Trade Negotiating Forum (TNF) held from February 17-21, 2025, in Luanda. This marks a significant milestone in regional economic integration, bolstering the SADC FTA, the region’s largest trade bloc in the past decade.

The forum, was a key step toward Angola’s accession, which will reduce tariffs and eliminate non-tariff barriers, creating smoother trade flows within the region. This agreement will benefit Angola with improved market access for goods and services, driving economic growth for all SADC members.

Opening the forum, Dhunraj Kassee, Director of SADC’s Industrial Development and Trade Directorate, highlighted Angola’s accession as a catalyst for economic growth, investment, and job creation, in line with SADC’s goals of poverty reduction and improved living standards.

He expressed optimism that the deal will be ratified at the TNF and Committee of Ministers of Trade (CMT) meetings in May and June 2025.

Blessing Rwaveya, representing Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, praised Angola’s dedication and the SADC Secretariat for facilitating the negotiations. He emphasized the progress made, particularly in finalizing Angola’s tariff offer – a crucial step toward full regional economic integration.

Anatoly Domingos, Angola’s Director for Integration and Economic Development, expressed gratitude for the support of the SADC Secretariat and member states. He noted that Angola’s formal accession will strengthen its role as a regional trade hub and foster deeper economic cooperation.

After extensive negotiations, Angola successfully met the demands of fellow SADC members, securing unanimous approval for its FTA accession. This marks a major achievement not only for Angola but also for the region, underscoring SADC’s commitment to deeper economic integration and stronger intra-regional trade.

As Angola joins the SADC FTA, new opportunities for industrial development, investment, and cross-border trade will emerge, driving the region toward a more interconnected and economically dynamic future. The final legal and procedural steps will be completed at the upcoming TNF and CMT meetings in mid-2025.

This historic milestone positions the SADC region as a leading trade and investment hub in Africa, benefiting businesses, consumers, and investors across Southern Africa.