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Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
Representatives of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) at the Southern African Development Community (SADC) People’s Summit have condemned European Union’s Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with SADC and Eastern and Southern African countries (ESA).
The CSOs said despite decades of trade, some agreements have failed to deliver on poverty reduction and sustainable development.
The summit highlighted the EPAs’ detrimental impact on SADC’s Vision 2050, which aims to create a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous region.
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In a joint statement, the CSOs said the agreements have reinforced extractives economic models, limited industrialisation, exacerbated inequality, marginalised rural communities and increased vulnerability to global shocks.
“The summit called on SADC leaders to accelerate the implementation of the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap to boost intra-SADC trade. It also urged them to develop a common framework for critical minerals to ensure value addition and protect local food producers from unfair competition,” reads part of the statement.
“EPAs have also undermined regional integration efforts, dividing SADC countries and promoting European interests. The summit demanded that SADC leaders unite and negotiate with the EU, guided by the SADC Trade Protocol.
“The summit urged both SADC and EU countries to explore alternative trade regimes and for SADC to reduce its reliance on aid. It emphasized the need for a new trade paradigm that prioritizes sustainable development, regional integration and the protection of vulnerable groups.”
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