African Continental Free Trade Area operational from 30 May 2019

SADC Today Vol 21 No.4 June 2019
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African Continental Free Trade Area operational from 30 May 2019
THE LARGEST trade arrangement that has the potential to change the global economic landscape and boost intra-regional trade in Africa has entered into force.
Commonly known as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the integrated market became operational on 30 May after the required 22 countries had deposited their instruments of ratification with the African Union (AU) Commission…

Food and Nutrition – Security and Vulnerability
SADC MEMBER States are undertaking detailed national assessments which are to be synthesized into the “SADC Regional State of Food and Nutrition Security and Vulnerability in Southern Africa Report,” for discussion by the Council of Ministers and the Summit of Heads of State and Government in August. The SADC region is facing a subdued food security situation following low and poorly distributed rainfall during the 2018-2019 farming season.

SADC takes stock of regional infrastructure projects
SADC IS reviewing the status of projects lined up for implementation under the first phase of its regional infrastructure blueprint. The Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan (RIDMP) was adopted by SADC Member States in 2012 and outlines the region’s infrastructure vision to be achieved by 2027. The main objective of RIDMP is to create a solid infrastructural base for sustainable economic development, anchored on the six priority sectors of energy, transport, Information Communication Technology (ICT), meteorology, water and tourism.

Realigning the regional energy agenda …as SADC reviews Protocol on Energy
The provision of reliable and sustainable energy continues to be a priority for southern Africa’s development agenda. Recognising the fundamental role of energy in achieving the aspirations for sustainable development and poverty eradication, SADC has developed a number of legal tools and instruments such as the Protocol on Energy, which provides a basis for cooperation on energy issues among its Member States.

Women’s economic empowerment programme approved by SADC gender ministers
SADC GENDER ministers have approved a programme aimed at promoting equal participation of women and men in policymaking processes. The Regional Multi-Dimensional Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme (RMDWEEP) was approved by SADC Gender Ministers on 29 May in Windhoek, Namibia. This followed a validation meeting by regional experts in March. The women’s empowerment programme will guide the region in reviewing, amending and developing laws that provide for equal access to wage employment, decent work and social protection, all of which are fundamental to promoting socio-economic empowerment.

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