Deputy Minister Alexandra Abrahams opened the 41st annual meeting of the SADC technical barriers to trade structures on March 24, 2026. This event affects SADC member states and regional traders. It matters now because it supports the 2026 SADC theme of advancing industrialisation, agricultural transformation, and energy transition by tackling trade barriers. SAnews.gov.za reported these details.
The three-day meeting takes place at the Protea Hotel in Johannesburg. Abrahams, from Trade, Industry and Competition, officially opened it.
SADC’s theme for this year is “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC.” Abrahams stressed that quality infrastructure aids rural development, industrialisation, and economic growth in southern Africa.
Quality infrastructure is a critical component to facilitating rural development and industrialisation and in turn, economic growth in the southern region of the African continent.
SAnews.gov.za quoted Abrahams on this point.
The Technical Barriers to Regional Trade Annex to the SADC Protocol on Trade sets a framework. It helps identify and remove trade barriers from differing standards, technical regulations, or conformity assessment procedures. SAnews.gov.za provided this context.
SADC shows growing engagement in international quality infrastructure forums. Abrahams called for more work to build scientific, technical, and diplomatic skills. This ensures global standards match Africa’s needs and allow fair participation.
She said this needs investment in scientific excellence, technical skills, and diplomatic coordination. Nations must shape global outcomes, not just react to them.
Abrahams urged strengthening key areas:
- National standards bodies, accreditation systems, and metrology institutes to create credible data and influence committees.
- A group of skilled experts and negotiators for global platforms on digital trade, green tech, and manufacturing.
- Quality infrastructure in agriculture, from production to export, to meet sanitary standards, traceability, and sustainability rules.
SAnews.gov.za attributed these verified statements to her speech.
Agricultural transformation demands changes in quality infrastructure across value chains. Farmers and agri-businesses must meet strict sanitary standards, traceability needs, and sustainability rules. This boosts food security, productivity, and access to better regional and global markets. SAnews.gov.za reported Abrahams’ views.
As SADC pushes the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), key steps include consolidating standards, mutual recognition of assessments, and stronger institutions.
The consolidation of standards, mutual recognition of conformity assessments, and the strengthening of institutional capability will be decisive.
SAnews.gov.za quoted her on this AfCFTA point.
Abrahams ended by stressing a coordinated approach to quality infrastructure. It aims for an integrated, competitive, and resilient economic bloc with growth, market access, and opportunities for people.
The meeting runs for three days starting March 24, 2026. Abrahams highlighted needs like investments in scientific excellence and coordination. SAnews.gov.za covered these facts.
She pointed to strengthening testing, certification, and inspection in agriculture. This supports the SADC theme and trade goals. All details come from the SAnews.gov.za report.
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