SADC is supporting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to align its national programmes and policies with the regional integration agenda following the country’s accession to key SADC protocols.
The process was launched on Monday during high‑level engagement meetings opened by DRC Minister of Regional Integration Floribert Anzuluni Isiloketshi.
The meetings focus on the DRC’s accession to the SADC protocols on Trade, Trade in Services, and Transport, Communication and Meteorology — instruments that are central to full participation in the SADC Free Trade Area (FTA).
Opening the meeting, Isiloketshi said the DRC was committed to ensuring that the engagements produce concrete recommendations to guide its effective participation in SADC structures.
He said aligning national policies with regional commitments was essential for unlocking the benefits of trade, transport and services liberalisation.
The current engagements are expected to accelerate DRC’s alignment with regional standards and support its transition towards full participation in the SADC FTA.
The meetings bring together policymakers, technical experts and regional stakeholders to identify priority actions, strengthen coordination and develop a roadmap for the DRC’s implementation of the protocols.
SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration Angèle Makombo N’Tumba said the engagements marked a critical shift from accession to implementation, stressing that the real impact of regional integration would be felt only when the protocols were fully domesticated.
She said the DRC’s participation in the SADC FTA would strengthen regional markets, improve connectivity and enhance economic opportunities across southern Africa.
German Deputy Ambassador to the DRC Sabine Mehnert reaffirmed Germany’s support for SADC’s integration agenda, noting that FTAs have “transformative potential” for economic growth and investment.
Germany is funding the engagement process through the German‑SADC Cooperation framework.
JN/APA