With a collective Gross Domestic Product exceeding $720 billion and a consumer base of over 360 million people, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region presents a wealth of opportunities for trade expansion and business growth. This was said by the Director of Africa Bilateral Economic Relations at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), Mr Calvin Phume, during his Masterclass presentation at the inaugural Africa-focused Supplier Growth Summit, which took place in Johannesburg today.
The objective of the Growth Summit is to expand and strengthen Massmart’s Africa-based supplier network to its Builders Warehouse, Cash & Carry, Game, and Makro stores. It focuses on harnessing the power of Africa-based product manufacturers, assemblers, and growers to enhance local product assortment and innovation in Massmart stores across the African continent. As part of this effort, Mr Calvin Phume delivered a presentation on South Africa’s trade relations with the SADC region, highlighting opportunities for market expansion.
“SADC remains a key driver of economic integration and market access for South African businesses across various sectors. The SADC Trade Protocol plays a crucial role in facilitating the free movement of over 95% of goods and services within the region at zero duty, fostering deeper trade integration. Our top export destinations in SADC—Mozambique, Botswana, and Namibia—serve as key markets for South African products, underscoring our competitive edge in the region,” Phume explained.
During his address, Phume provided a comprehensive overview of South Africa’s trade relations with the SADC region, emphasising the country’s strong manufacturing base and export potential. He noted that South Africa is the largest contributor to intra-SADC trade, accounting for 55% of the region’s exports and 17% of its imports in 2023.
He also outlined the significant growth in South Africa’s trade with SADC, which increased from US$26 billion in 2019 to US$32 billion in 2023, with exports including mineral fuels, machinery, vehicles, ores, iron and steel, and electrical equipment. He further emphasized the importance of diversifying South Africa’s export portfolio and leveraging untapped opportunities within SADC.
“South Africa has an estimated USD 349.76 million in untapped realistic export opportunities for 358 value-added products. We are committed to supporting businesses in accessing these opportunities through export development initiatives, market intelligence, and trade promotion support,” Phume noted.
the dtic remains steadfast in its efforts to strengthen intra-African trade, working in collaboration with industry stakeholders to enhance market access and competitiveness. Initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area further complement these efforts by promoting seamless trade across the continent, unlocking new economic prospects for South African businesses. With the SADC region offering vast trade opportunities, South Africa’s commitment to strengthening regional partnerships remains crucial for driving economic growth and sustainable development.
For further information on export development and support services, businesses are encouraged to engage with the dtic’s Export Help Desk at exports@thedtic.gov.za
The Director of Africa Bilateral Economic Relations at the dtic, Mr Calvin Phume, delivering a Masterclass presentation during the inaugural Massmart Africa-focused Supplier Growth Summit in Johannesburg.
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Bongani Lukhele – Director: Media Relations
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E-mail: BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za
Issued by: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)
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