28 February 2025

Angola Joins SADC Free Trade Area, Strengthening Regional Economic Ties

Luanda, Angola - Angola has taken a major step toward deeper regional economic integration by finalizing its accession to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Free Trade Area (FTA). This milestone was achieved during a Trade Negotiating Forum (TNF) held in Luanda from February 17 to 21, 2025, building on discussions from a previous session in October 2024.

The forum was facilitated by the SADC Secretariat with support from the Cooperation for the Enhancement of SADC Regional Economic Integration (CESARE) programme. Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and co-financed by the European Union (EU) through GIZ, CESARE aims to promote seamless trade within the region.

With Angola’s accession, the SADC FTA will now include 14 member states, further strengthening the regional market. This development is expected to create significant economic opportunities by eliminating trade barriers, reducing tariffs, and fostering smoother cross-border commerce. Angola will gain improved access to regional markets, while other SADC nations will benefit from greater trade opportunities within Angola, stimulating economic growth across the region.

During his opening address, Mr. Dhunraj Kassee, Director of the Industrial Development and Trade Directorate (IDT) at the SADC Secretariat, highlighted the strategic importance of Angola’s inclusion in the FTA. He emphasized that the agreement will boost economic growth, expand consumer choices, attract investment, and generate employment—aligning with the SADC Treaty’s broader goals of poverty reduction and enhanced living standards.

Mr. Kassee expressed confidence that Angola’s accession will be officially endorsed in the upcoming TNF and Committee of Ministers of Trade (CMT) meetings scheduled for May and June 2025. These approvals will pave the way for full ratification and implementation, marking a new era of regional economic collaboration.