Angola is set to join the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Free Trade Area (FTA) marking a significant milestone in regional economic integration, the bloc said.
"Angola will become the 14th SADC member state to join the regional market, marking a historic step in consolidating the SADC FTA, the most significant milestone in the past decade," the 16-member regional economic community said in a statement, following a special meeting on finalizing Angola's accession to the FTA.
The accession to the FTA eliminates tariffs and non-tariff barriers, facilitating smoother trade and providing Angola with improved market access for other SADC members, according to the statement.
After extensive negotiations, Angola secured unanimous support from member states, highlighting the region's commitment to fostering intra-regional trade and economic resilience, the SADC noted.
"With Angola's inclusion, the SADC Free Trade Area takes a bold step forward, unlocking new avenues for industrial development, investment, and cross-border trade. This achievement underscores the region’s collective vision for a more interconnected, economically vibrant Southern Africa," the statement read.