The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has organised a workshop to validate to coordinate trade plan under the African Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the TFTA-AfCFTA Interface in Zimbabwe. This event, supported by the European Union through its  programme TE-TAF Support to the AfCFTA and Continental Economic Integration, of which FIAP is one of the implementing agencies, aims to validate the SADC Plan for AfCFTA, a strategic roadmap designed to ensure that the region takes full advantage of the opportunities offered by intra-African trade.

The workshop brought together representatives from the Ministries of Trade of the 16 SADC member states, as well as the private sector, development partners and regional institutions such as the AfCFTA Secretariat, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) to review and validate the plan. This effort seeks to accelerate economic integration in the region by strengthening intra-African trade of its countries.

The AfCFTA represents a historic opportunity for Africa, as it seeks to create a single continental market for goods and services and to promote industrial and economic development. For its effective implementation, the role of Regional Economic Communities (RECs) is crucial, because it requires strong regional coordination and overcoming challenges shared by several Member States. They are essential pillars for continental integration and the implementation of initiatives such as the AfCFTA. Their importance lies in their ability to address common challenges, promote cooperation and accelerate progress towards sustainable development goals in the continent.

TE-TAF Support to the AfCFTA and Continental Economic Integration is a key pillar in supporting African economic integration. Following the workshop, the SADC coordination plan will serve as a guiding document for the implementation of the AfCFTA in the region.