Zimbabwe Advocates for All SADC Member States to Join the Free Trade Area

Boma: Zimbabwe's Vice President, Kembo Mohadi, has called for the inclusion of all Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries in the Free Trade Area (FTA) to stimulate economic growth in the region. Mohadi made this advocacy during a visit to Boma in eastern Moxico Province, where he highlighted the importance of accelerating regional economic integration. According to Angola Press News Agency, Mohadi's remarks came after visiting a historical site in Boma, where more than 300 former Zimbabwean and Angolan soldiers were laid to rest following an attack by the South Africa apartheid regime. He emphasized that the accession of all 16 SADC member countries to the FTA is crucial for strengthening the region's economies and reducing reliance on non-regional countries. The SADC FTA, established in 2008, already includes 14 of its 16 members in trade agreements. Angola became a member of this trade area in June of the current year. Mohadi believes that participation in the FTA will enable member count ries to benefit from reduced tariffs and improved market access, crucial elements for fostering a common market. The SADC region, comprising Angola, South Africa, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, aims to enhance intra-regional trade and investment through the FTA. This includes minimizing customs tariffs and other barriers to trade, facilitating the free movement of goods and services across member states. SADC was formally established in 1992, following the transition from the Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC), which was founded in 1980. Its primary objectives include promoting peace, security, and sustainable development across the region.