Reshaping trade dynamics in Southern Africa: SADC, EU, UNIDO and ITC drive new trade competitiveness agenda
Gaborone, Botswana- In a landmark initiative set to reshape the trade dynamics within the Southern African region, the European Union Delegation to SADC and Botswana (EUD), the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the International Trade Centre (ITC) and in close cooperation with the SADC Business Council, have embarked on the design phase of the SADC Trade Competitiveness and Market Access Programme (ATCMAP – SADC Component), worth EUR 25 million.
This strategic programme which is led by UNIDO with ITC as Partner Agency, is fully financed by the European Union under the broader EU Pan-African Programme, and it seeks to help the African countries to benefit from trade opportunities by being able to conform with standards and technical regulations, which requires establishing efficient testing, certification and accreditation mechanisms, as well as dismantle trade barriers, enhance business capabilities, and unlock the vast economic potential of the SADC region.
The programme's initial steps were marked by a joint scoping mission in Gaborone, Botswana, that took place from 3-6 September 2024. During this period, UNIDO and ITC closely engaged with the SADC Secretariat and key regional stakeholders including the SADC Business Council to ensure the programme is tuned to the specific challenges and opportunities within the region. By enhancing value addition and diversification and breaking down trade barriers and building stronger market linkages, the programme is poised to open new avenues for growth, innovation, and prosperity in the region.
The ATCMAP SADC Component will be a catalyst for comprehensive regional economic transformation and will cover various thematic areas including industrial policy, quality infrastructure and conformity assessment services, enterprise upgrading and modernization, cluster development, energy efficiency and greening of value chains and, access to innovative finance and investments. Furthermore, by addressing complex non-tariff barriers and promoting extensive market access, the programme aims to empower Southern African businesses, especially micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), to thrive both within the African continent and globally. Strengthening the market access and export capabilities of MSMEs will be central to fostering sustainable economic development and creating jobs across the region.
The collaboration between UNIDO and ITC, backed by the EU, reflects a shared commitment to sustainable development and regional integration. The programme is aligned with key regional strategies, including the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap 2015-2063, the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020-2030, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Mr. Dhunraj Kassee, Director, Industrial Development and Trade at the SADC Secretariat stated that the private sector being the engine of growth are the key beneficiaries of SADC trade and industrialisation programmes and therefore has great expectation that the interventions under the SADC component of the ATCMAP will have great focus on private sector, and thus “implore partners to engage SADC Business Council to ensure private sector expectations are considered in the design and delivery of programme interventions”.
Mr. Victor Djemba, Chief of the UNIDO Africa Regional Division said: “Africa is the largest recipient of UNIDO’s technical cooperation. In this regard, UNIDO remains committed and equipped to promote inclusive and sustainable industrial development and provide concrete technical cooperation support to Africa through the ATCMAP SADC Component, in collaboration with the SADC Secretariat, EU Delegation to SADC and Botswana and ITC. ATCMAP SADC component will enable African countries to seize the opportunity of the AfCFTA while contributing to the objectives of the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Programme, the SADC Industrialization Strategy, the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and Agenda 2030.”
Mr. Ashish Shah, Director of the ITC Division of Country Programme said “The SADC ATCMAP is a significant step forward for the region's economic integration and growth. At ITC, we are committed to addressing key market access challenges, boosting MSME competitiveness and strengthening value chains. This initiative will enhance trade both within SADC and with the EU, helping MSMEs to tap into new opportunities. Our focus is on practical, tangible results that will make a real difference to businesses across the SADC region. Through this programme, we aim to support SADC in fully leveraging its trade potential, working with policy makers, relevant institutions and the private sector, contributing to sustainable economic development and improved livelihoods across the region and Africa, ITC’s first partner.”
For more information please contact:
Mr. Alejandro Rivera-Rojas
UNIDO Industrial Development Officer
Email: a.rivera-rojas [at] unido.org
