Namibia and SADC free trade area : maximising export opportunities?

Abstract

The SADC Treaty 1992 established the Southern African Development Community (SADC) with the purpose of building an integrated regional economic community. The approach taken is to conclude Protocols in each area of co-operation. In the areas of economic and trade liberalization, a Protocol on Trade entered into force in 2000. The purpose of the Protocol is to establish a free trade area (FTA). The SADC FTA was formally launched in August 2008, when twelve SADC Member States phased out their tariffs covering substantial all intra-SADC trade. Namibia has been part of the SADC FTA since its inception. This research study examines the SADC FTA and its importance to Namibia by assessing the extent to which the SADC FTA has maximized export opportunities for Namibia to the region. It also identifies existing constraints that Namibia's exporters have been experiencing in accessing the SADC market, and provides recommendations on how Namibia can further exploit market opportunities created by the SADC FTA.