Unlocking Trade in SADC: Overcoming AfCFTA Implementation Challenges through Policy and Reform

Abstract

International trade plays a pivotal role in stimulating economic growth, prompting a surge in regional integration efforts aimed at capitalising on the advantages of trade liberalisation. This study undertakes a detailed inductive thematic analysis to provide a comprehensive review of the constraints to implementing the trade facilitation provisions in the agreement establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The study aims to analyse the implementation constraints associated with rolling out the AfCFTA trade facilitation provisions in the SADC region. It demonstrates how the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region can leverage the implementation of the AfCFTA trade facilitation measures to increase intra-regional trade. Incorporating evidence from key informant interviews and surveys targeting trade facilitation experts and practitioners in the SADC region, the study investigates the potential opportunities to increase efficiency at SADC commercial borders and benefit from the AfCFTA trade facilitation measures. It finds that the SADC region faces numerous challenges that will inhibit effective implementation of the trade facilitation reforms under the AfCFTA, primarily capacity constraints and limited financial and technical resources. It thus proposes policies that can be implemented to overcome these challenges and recommends strategies for the SADC region to pave the way for the region to benefit from the AfCFTA endeavour. Overcoming these obstacles requires substantial investment in infrastructure, stronger institutional frameworks, and improved governance within customs administrations.