4 March 2025

Angola Joins SADC Free Trade Area, Marking Historic Milestone

Angola's integration into the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Free Trade Area (FTA) is set to significantly benefit businesses, investors, and consumers across the region. This move is expected to enhance economic opportunities, reduce trade barriers, and create a more competitive regional market.

Angola will become the 14th member state of the SADC FTA, a notable achievement in regional economic integration. In a statement, the SADC highlighted the historic nature of Angola's accession, calling it the most significant milestone in the past decade.

By joining the FTA, Angola will benefit from the elimination of tariffs and non-tariff barriers, facilitating smoother trade and improved market access for other SADC members. This accession received unanimous support from member states, underscoring the region's commitment to fostering intra-regional trade and economic resilience.

The SADC emphasized that Angola's inclusion will unlock new avenues for industrial development, investment, and cross-border trade, supporting the vision for a more interconnected and economically vibrant Southern Africa.