Online Reporter
JOHANNESBURG. – Member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) must accelerate practical measures to deepen economic integration and unlock the region’s full potential, according to a Johannesburg-based senior economist.
While the 16-member bloc has made strides in promoting regional trade and investment, intra-SADC trade still accounts for only about 20 percent of the region’s total trade volume, highlighting a significant opportunity for expansion.
Joseph Upile Matola, from the South African Institute of International Affairs, told said that while gains had been recorded, further efforts are required to improve regional connectivity and market access.
A key priority remains improving the efficiency of One-Stop Border Posts (OSBPs), according to Matola, facilities like the Chirundu Border Post between Zambia and Zimbabwe have successfully slashed crossing times from days to hours.
However, he noted many OSBPs across the region remain only partially integrated. “Enhancing OSBP operations is critical to lowering both the cost and time associated with cross-border trade.”
Digitalisation is also expected to play a pivotal role. With internet penetration exceeding 50 percent and mobile subscriptions rising steadily, SADC is well-positioned to expand e-commerce and digital trade platforms to bolster intra-African commerce.
As a regional inter-governmental organisation, SADC is committed to promoting sustainable economic growth, deeper integration, good governance, and security among member states in Southern Africa.
Matola urged governments to pivot from “rhetorical integration” toward practical, results-driven cooperation to achieve sustainable growth over the next decade. Central to this shift is political leadership, particularly in translating policy into action. This includes fast-tracking the ratification of regional protocols, many of which have been signed but remain unenforced.
Stronger governance and political stability are also vital for attracting investment, as investors prioritise predictable and secure operating environments.
Matola called for more robust enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with regional agreements, noting that weak implementation continues to undermine integration efforts.
Regional stability remains a priority, requiring continued diplomatic engagement in conflict-affected areas such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Madagascar. – Xinhua
