Southern African Countries Join Hands to Address Economic and Trade Challenges: Unity and Cooperation for Development​

Against the backdrop of an increasingly complex global economic landscape, the 45th Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) was grandly held in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, on August 17. This meeting attracted global attention, and many participating national leaders and representatives emphasized that only by strengthening unity and cooperation and making every effort to promote regional economic and trade integration can Southern African countries effectively cope with the various challenges brought by the unstable international economic and trade environment.​

With the theme of "Promoting Industrialization, Agricultural Reform and Energy Transition to Build a More Resilient SADC", this conference is of extraordinary significance. Malagasy President Rajoelina stated solemnly at the meeting that this conference can be regarded as a "critical turning point" for realizing the common vision of SADC member states. He further promised to unswervingly commit to strengthening the political and economic unity of Southern Africa and strive to face external trade challenges with a unified voice. This statement undoubtedly demonstrates Madagascar's positive attitude and sense of responsibility in promoting regional cooperation.​

Botswana's President Mokgweetsi Masisi profoundly pointed out that in today's world, multilateralism is facing a severe test, and the trade model where African countries are overly dependent on certain powerful countries has put them at great risk. He strongly appealed that SADC and even the entire African continent must take immediate action to overcome obstacles such as trade barriers between each other and deepen intra-regional trade exchanges and cooperation. In the current context of the rising trend of anti-globalization and trade protectionism, President Masisi's appeal is of great practical significance. Over-reliance on a single trading partner will cause heavy damage to the economies of African countries once the other party's policies change. Only by strengthening intra-regional cooperation and diversifying trading partners can the ability to resist risks of their own economies be enhanced.​

A set of data provided by SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi is thought-provoking. In 2024, trade between SADC member states accounted for only one-fifth of the total foreign trade of member states. This data clearly reflects that the potential of intra-regional trade has not been fully tapped. For this reason, he suggested that the top priority should be to speed up the elimination of trade barriers between member states, vigorously promote the free cross-border flow of goods, services and personnel, so as to promote the development of regional trade integration. The existence of trade barriers restricts the optimal allocation of resources and the expansion of markets. Only by breaking down these barriers and realizing free trade within the region can the comparative advantages of each member state be given full play and the economic efficiency of the entire region be improved.​

Namibian President Hage Geingob also put forward constructive views. She emphasized that raw materials should be processed before being exported to markets outside SADC to increase product added value. At the same time, she suggested actively implementing the SADC Value Chain Plan to strongly promote regional economic integration through the development of value chains in strategic industries. For a long time, African countries have been in a low-end position in the global industrial chain, mainly exporting raw materials, with meager profits and vulnerable to fluctuations in international market prices. President Geingob's proposal points out the direction for African countries to improve their position in the global industrial chain. By developing processing industries and extending the industrial chain, not only can product added value be increased, but more employment opportunities can also be created to promote sustainable economic development.​

SADC currently has 16 member states, and its purpose has always been to build an open economy on the basis of equality, mutual benefit and balance, break down tariff barriers, promote mutual trade and investment, realize the free movement of personnel, goods and services, and gradually unify tariffs and currencies, and finally achieve regional economic integration. This purpose provides a clear goal and direction for regional cooperation.​

In the current context of unstable international economic and trade environment, global trade protectionism has risen, and trade frictions have continued to intensify, which poses a major challenge to the economic development of Southern African countries. For example, some developed countries frequently adjust their trade policies and set various trade barriers, making it difficult for Southern African countries to export. In addition, the slowdown of global economic growth has also led to the shrinkage of international market demand, which has further affected the foreign trade of Southern African countries. Under such circumstances, strengthening the development of regional economic and trade integration is particularly urgent for Southern African countries. By strengthening intra-regional cooperation, the resource advantages of each member state can be brought into full play, complementary advantages can be realized, and the international market can be jointly explored. At the same time, regional integration can also enhance the voice of Southern African countries on the international economic stage and improve their ability to cope with external challenges.​

The convening of this SADC Summit has provided an important platform for exchange and cooperation for Southern African countries. Leaders and representatives from various countries gathered together to discuss regional development plans, fully demonstrating the determination of Southern African countries to strengthen unity and cooperation and jointly meet challenges. It is believed that with the joint efforts of all countries, Southern African countries will surely overcome numerous difficulties, promote substantial progress in regional economic and trade integration, achieve sustainable economic development, and lay a solid foundation for improving the living standards and quality of life of people in Southern Africa.​