www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I April 2024 9
Events and Exhibitions
LEVERAGING TRADE AGREEMENTS : INSIGHTS FROM MAURITIUS FOR THE SADC REGION
By Eamonn Ryan
The Southern African Industrialisation Forum hosted a conference on 26 – 27 February 2024 with a range of panel discussions .
The following discussion is titled ‘ Leveraging Trade Agreements for Economic Growth in the SADC Region ’, with the following panel members and key stakeholders :
• Peter Varndell : SADC Business Council Executive Secretary
• Yavi Madurai : African Prosperity Fund Co-founder
• Dr Mustafa Sakr : AUDA-NEPAD Principal Programme Officer : Trade and Markets unit
• Ally Alexander Mwangolombe : SADC Secretariat Programme Officer – Customs Procedures
• Rooma Narrainen : Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( MCCI ) Head of Advocacy
Sakr underscored the historical context of Africa ' s integration efforts , citing the Agenda 2063 as a crucial milestone . He emphasised the African Continental Free Trade Area ( AfCFTA ) as an invaluable tool for driving development on the continent .
He highlighted the significant role that trade agreements have played in his country ' s economic growth and diversification , with a substantial portion of exports now destined for preferential markets , which play a large and important role in promoting industrialisation by facilitating the transformation of raw materials and goods , ultimately fostering exports with duty-free benefits . Additionally , Sakr underscored the need to promote regional value chains and encourage businesses to source materials from within the region to enhance value addition and promote intra-African trade .
Varndell echoed these sentiments , suggesting that trade agreements offer businesses opportunities to expand into new markets and sell their products and services more affordably . He stressed the importance of understanding and efficiently utilising trade agreements to lower the cost of products , thereby making them more accessible to consumers . Varndell also emphasised the need for businesses to prioritise sectors that align with increasing trade , investment , job creation and prosperity .
Sakr provided an overview of the implementation status of the SADC vision 2050 and the regional indicative strategic
Images by © RACA Journal
A section of the audience attending the Southern African Industrialisation Forum hosted a conference on 26 – 27 February 2024 .
The panel discussion .
plan 2022 / 30 . He emphasised the interdependence of the plan ' s three pillars :
• Industrial development and market integration
• Infrastructure development
• Social and human capital development
Mwangolombe acknowledged the progress made in developing regional programmes , projects , strategies , protocols and policy guidelines , which have been adopted by SADC structures .
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I April 2024 9