The overall objective of this AEGM will be to discuss the nature and impact of non-tariff barriers undermining intra-regional trade in Southern Africa. The reduction or elimination of NTBs will unlock the full potential of industrialization and free trade in Southern Africa through the AfCFTA, the SADC Protocol on Trade, the Tripartite FTA and other trade-related initiatives. Eliminating and non-tariff barriers will enhance export competitiveness, foster economic diversification and industrialization, and anchor economic resilience in Southern Africa.
The AEGM will:
- Review the level of intra-regional trade and the manifestation and nature of non-tariff barriers to trade within Southern Africa,
- Assess the impact of non-tariff barriers on intra-regional trade flows, particularly highlighting their implications for competitiveness and export performance in key sectors, such as automotives, textiles, agro-processing, and mining-related manufacturing,
- Identify the critical non-tariff barriers affecting Southern African firms, especially MSMEs, in accessing regional markets under the regional trade protocols and the AfCFTA,
- Discuss avenues for enhancing the mechanisms for identifying, reporting, and monitoring NTBs through the AfCFTA NTB Reporting, Monitoring and Eliminating Mechanism platform for reporting NTBs,
- Assess the effectiveness of the COMESA, EAC and SADC mechanisms for NTBs reporting, monitoring and elimination,
- Discuss avenues for members States to contribute towards the improvement of the environment for cross-border investment,
- Discuss how NTBs undermine the objective of a seamlessly integrated regional market, and
- Discuss best practices and lessons learned from within the region and globally on reducing barriers to trade, addressing non-tariff barriers, streamlining regulatory procedures, and enhancing cross-border trade facilitation.
Documents