Angola is poised to become the 14th member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Free Trade Area (FTA), marking a significant milestone in regional economic integration.
Following extensive negotiations, Angola has agreed to liberalise 90% of its tariff lines, surpassing the SADC’s standard requirement of 85%. This move is expected to facilitate smoother trade flows, reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers, and enhance market access for both Angola and other SADC member States.
The accession is anticipated to bolster Angola’s economic diversification efforts, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and manufacturing, reducing its reliance on oil exports. By integrating into the SADC FTA, Angola aims to attract foreign investment, stimulate industrial development, and create employment opportunities, aligning with the SADC Treaty’s objectives of poverty alleviation and improved living standards across the region.
The formal ratification and implementation of Angola’s membership are expected to be finalised during the upcoming Trade Negotiating Forum and Committee of Ministers of Trade meetings scheduled for May and June 2025. This development underscores the region’s collective vision for a more interconnected and economically vibrant Southern Africa, enhancing intra-regional trade and economic resilience.