Trade integration in the Southern African development community: Prospects and problems¹

This article is an abridged version of ‘Chapter Two: Trade integration in the Southern African development community’, in Kritzinger‐Van Niekerk, L (Ed), 1997. Towards strengthening multisectoral linkages in SADC. Development Paper No 33, DBSA, March. The findings and recommendations are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the DBSA.

Abstract

The adoption of a trade and development protocol by the member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in August 1996 marks the end of an era of sectoral cooperation and the beginning of a process of trade integration among these countries. This article provides a preliminary analysis of the obstacles and opportunities which trade integration presents for the Southern African region in the context of the institutional and structural factors currently influencing trade patterns both within and outside the region. Critically, the article poses the question whether the provisions of the trade protocol provide an adequate framework for the region's agenda of trade integration and industrial development that is equitable, balanced and mutually beneficial. The analysis demonstrates that it does not, and hence the authors argue that measures that lie beyond the provisions of the trade protocol are a sine qua non for the success of trade integration.

Notes

Respectively, Economist, Policy Unit, DBSA and Principal Policy Analyst, Policy Unit, DBSA.

This article is an abridged version of ‘Chapter Two: Trade integration in the Southern African development community’, in Kritzinger‐Van Niekerk, L (Ed), 1997. Towards strengthening multisectoral linkages in SADC. Development Paper No 33, DBSA, March. The findings and recommendations are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the DBSA.