Harare, Zimbabwe — Ministers of Trade from the Member States of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have voiced serious concerns about the impact of shifting global geopolitical dynamics on regional and international trade. The sentiments were shared during the SADC Committee of Ministers of Trade meeting held on 5 June 2025 in Harare, Republic of Zimbabwe.
At the centre of the discussions was the growing global trend toward reciprocal trade measures—where trade preferences are granted only in exchange for similar concessions. The ministers warned that this trend poses a direct threat to the foundations of the multilateral and plurilateral trading systems, which are anchored on the principles of non-discrimination and equal treatment under the Most-Favoured Nation (MFN) rule.
“Multilateral trade agreements were built to promote inclusivity and fairness in global commerce,” noted one of the ministers. “For developing regions like SADC, the multilateral system has played a crucial role in opening access to markets, encouraging investment, and facilitating economic growth.”
The Committee emphasized that increased reliance on reciprocal trade measures risks sidelining smaller and less developed economies, many of which lack the negotiating power or resources to compete on equal terms. These developments, they said, could reverse decades of progress in leveling the global trade playing field.
The SADC ministers underscored that the multilateral trading framework—underpinned by organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO)—was designed to ensure predictability and fairness. It is particularly vital for countries in the SADC region, which rely heavily on international trade for economic development, poverty reduction, and industrial growth.
“Eroding the multilateral approach would disproportionately hurt the very countries that need it most,” the ministers said in a joint statement. “We must advocate for a rules-based global trading system that recognises the unique challenges faced by developing nations.”
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by SADC Member States to defend and uphold multilateralism in trade. The ministers agreed to strengthen regional cooperation, enhance trade-related capacity-building, and engage collectively in global forums to ensure the interests of the region are adequately represented.
As the global trade landscape continues to evolve, SADC’s proactive stance sends a strong message about the importance of inclusivity, fairness, and long-term sustainability in international commerce.
