The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat is convening a series of meetings on Technical Barriers to Trade in Johannesburg from March 23 to 27 ,2026.
The meetings bring together member states to address challenges related to standards, quality assurance, accreditation and measurement systems, all aimed at improving trade across the region. These structures were established under the SADC Protocol on Trade to help remove barriers that make it difficult for countries to trade with one another.
A key focus of the discussions is to support the implementation of the SADC Free Trade Area, launched in 2008, which promotes regional economic integration by reducing tariffs and limiting non-tariff barriers on goods. The agreement is also designed to boost industrial development and reduce poverty across member states.
Delegates will review progress on national and regional work plans, consider updates to trade rules, and discuss a proposed regional Quality Infrastructure Strategy. Outcomes from the meetings are expected to be submitted to SADC trade ministers for further consideration.
The discussions are also expected to strengthen regional co-operation and support broader continental trade efforts, including the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Representatives from all SADC member states are attending, alongside private sector players and international partners. Awards will also be presented to winners of the 2025/26 SADC Quality Awards.
–ChannelAfrica–
