Harare- The Senior Officials Meeting of the 34th SADC Committee of Ministers of Trade kicked off this morning in Mt Hampden, Harare.

The meeting, a precursor to the Committee of Ministers of Trade (CMT) and 24th Meeting of the Ministerial Task Force (MTF) on Regional Economic Integration in Harare on 5th June 2025, aims at discussing and analysing the top 10 SADC Imports and Exports and the Geopolitical developments related to the imposition of new tariffs on imported products and their implications on the SADC region.

Addressing delegates at the official opening of the meeting, the SADC Senior Officials Chairperson, Ambassador Albert Ranganai Chimbindi said the meeting comes at time when the region seeks to collaborate and deepen regional integration, enhance trade facilitation, and drive industrial development across the SADC region.

He said:

“This meeting takes place against a background of profound global economic disruptions, marked by increasing protectionism, shifting trade alliances, and unpredictable supply chains. 

In this complex and zero-sum trading environment, adaptation is not optional, it is imperative. We must collectively understand the changing dynamics, anticipate future dynamics and disruptions and adopt responsive policies if we are to remain relevant players in the global economy.

Feeling pity for ourselves will not help our cause at all-it will likely worsen it.  Collective action is key.”

Ambassador Chimbindi noted that it is heartening to note that despite the prolonged hiatus since the last CMT meeting in July, 2023, member states have continued to register commendable progress in implementing the SADC Free Trade Area (FTA) and related regional programmes. 

He said:

“This demonstrates our unwavering resolve to advance SADC regional integration agenda, even amid global economic turbulence.

We must, however, equally acknowledge that several decisions from previous CMT meetings outstanding and unimplemented due to various challenges, including the prolonged hiatus that we witnessed.”

Ambassador Chimbindi called on member states in partnership with the secretariat to redouble its efforts in the implementation of all the pending decisions.

“Only through coordinated action and a sense of urgency can we deliver on our shared aspirations. Intra SADC trade, participation at these trying times globally should be at the centre of what we do. Trade is so key to regional developments and industrialisation that we should never again allow ourselves to fail to meet,” said Ambassador Chimbindi. 

He noted that there is a growing convergence of views within the region on the need to build greater resilience and deepen intra-regional trade.

“This convergence, however, must be matched by action. We, the Member States, hold the key to translating intent into tangible outcomes. Our people expect nothing less from us,” he said. 

Ambassador Chimbindi said it is encouraging that the meeting’s agenda is prioritising critical trade facilitation issues, all of which are essential levers for improving regional trade cooperation, eliminating all forms of barriers and unlocking the full potential of the industrialisation agenda.

“Simplifying trade procedures, harmonising standards, and investing in digital and physical infrastructure will not only boost trade flows but, also, stimulate innovation and sustainable growth. Strategic foresight, solidarity, and a shared sense of purpose must guide us.

We owe it to ourselves and to future generations to craft a legacy of transformation — a legacy that brings us closer to “the SADC we want”, said Ambassador Chimbindi.

The Senior Officials Meeting of the 34th SADC Committee of Ministers of Trade aims at discussing progress in the implementation of the decisions of the 33rd meeting of the Committee of Ministers of Trade; implementation and consolidation of the SADC Free Trade Area (FTA), accession of Member States to the SADC Protocol on Trade and elimination of Non-Tariff Barriers.

It will additionally discuss the implementation of various trade-related frameworks and instruments that are aimed at facilitating intra-regional trade in the region such as the SADC Regional Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Framework, SADC Regional Customs to Business Framework and SADC e-Certificate of Origin (eCoO).