Angola has taken a major step toward regional economic integration by securing approval for its Tariff Offer under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Trade, paving the way for full participation in the SADC Free Trade Area.With around 6,000 tariff lines under review, Angola’s integration into the SADC Free Trade Area marks a transformative shift in its trade policy.
Angola has joined the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Free Trade Area (FTA) since June 8th 2025, marking a significant step towards regional economic integration. The move will enable Angola to benefit from reduced tariffs, access to regional markets, and strengthened cross-border collaboration. The Southern African Times reports that Minister of Industry and Commerce, Rui Miguêns de Oliveira, made the announcement during the 19th edition of CaféCIPRA, underscoring Angola’s advancing role in African regional diplomacy.
To our collective satisfaction, that of Angola, the Angolans and also the other SADC countries, this tariff proposal of ours has been approved and so we could consider that the main step, shall we say, towards the approval and entry into force of the Free Trade Protocol and the integration of Angola into that protocol has finally been taken.
RUI MIGUÊNS DE OLIVEIRA, Minister of Trade and Industry
With around 6,000 tariff lines under review, Angola’s integration into the SADC Free Trade Area marks a transformative shift in its trade policy one aimed at boosting competitiveness, increasing exports, and deepening regional cooperation; This will allow Angolan imports from neighbouring countries to benefit from reduced customs duties, while Angolan exports particularly in agriculture and semi-processed goods will gain access to a regional market of over 300 million people.
For the countries that are part of the SADC, we will have to adjust, according to the agreed tariff levels, we will have to adjust the tariffs to which products from our region will be subject when they enter our territory, and also what we export to the countries belonging to the SADC will also be an object of special assistance and participation.
RUI MIGUÊNS DE OLIVEIRA, Minister of Trade and Industry
According to the government, the internal mechanisms to protect national industries would remain intact, and that Angola’s tariff alignment with other SADC members will be managed carefully.
