Other SADC Trade Resources

Useful publications

Africa in the world economy

  • Africa In The World Economy: The National, Regional And International Challenges
    A book that examines the economic constraints to growth and development in sub-Saharan Africa, the international community’s responsibilities, and the development model that would best fit African realities. The contributors to this book examine the economic constraints to growth and development faced by sub-Saharan African countries.

  • Changes in global value chains of fresh fruit and vegetables: opportunities and challenges for producers in Sub-Saharan Africa

  • UN trade and development report 2007
    There is a growing recognition that global institutions, on their own, are not able to promote developing countries' interests. This year's UNCTAD report argues that cooperation can significantly strengthen developing countries' efforts to meet the macroeconomic challenges of globalisation. It examines the role that regional monetary and financial arrangements can play in reconciling national needs with international opportunities and constraints. Advantages of such regional cooperation include the following:  

  • The significance of transport costs in Africa

  • Indicators for the selection of agricultural special products: some empirical evidence

  • African trade, investment and exchange rate regimes and incentives for exporting

    Available online at: http://www.eldis.org/cf/rdr/?doc=33768

    The emerging trade strategy in many African countries appears to have at least two components:  


  • Mainstreaming Development in the WTO: Developing Countries in the Doha Round

    At the time of the Doha launch there was much criticism by developing countries of the impact of the last trade round i.e., the Uruguay Round. Developing countries felt that the Uruguay Round Agreements were unfair as not only did they fail to provide equitable access for the products of developing countries in developed country markets, but they also created greater burdens upon developing countries and eroded their policy space. These issues were called ‘Implementation Issues'.


Regional Integration in Southern Africa

  • Regional Integration in Southern Africa Volume 1 South Africa's International Trade Diplomacy
    A study conducted for the Friederich Ebert Foundation

    Regional integration can be a key force for sustainable development. It can promote economic growth, reduce poverty, foster social development or protect the environment. But it can also have negative economic and social impacts, especially when the domestic regulatory framework is inadequate or not implemented effectively.


  • Regional Integration in Southern Africa Volume 6: Deepening Integration in SADC, South Africa - SADC's Economic Engine
    The Friedrich Ebert Foundation through its office in Botswana and in close consultation with the Planning Unit of the SADC Secretariat initiated a regional research programme on "Deepening Integration in SADC Macroeconomic Policies and their Impact". This publication contains the findings of the Country Study and Survey from South Africa by the Trade and Industrial Policy Strategies, TIPS, and the Trade Law Centre of Southern Africa, tralac, South African Institute of International Affairs and SAIIA all from South Africa.

Regional trade agreements

  • The Cotonou Agreement And Its Implications For The Regional Trade Agenda In Eastern And Southern Africa
    The paper argues that the Cotonou Agreement and EPA negotiations could become the external driving force that will push the regional organizations to rationalize and harmonize their regional trade arrangements, thus strengthening the integration process and economies of the region, and assisting the Eastern and Southern Africa region in becoming a more active partner in the global economy.

  • Overview Of Bilateral Free Trade And Investment Agreements

    Prepared by Bilaterals.org as a background document for a major international strategy workshop on free trade agreements in July 2006 and updated in October 2006, this is a very comprehensive inventory of free trade agreements and bilateral investment treaties that have been signed or are being negotiated all over the world.


  • Estimating the Impact on Mozambique of Different Trade Policy Regimes: SADC, SACU or MFN?

    National Directorate of Studies and Policy Analysis, Ministry of Planning and Development, Republic of Mozambique

    The intent of the discussion paper series is to stimulate discussion and exchange ideas on issues pertinent to the economic and social development of Mozambique. A multiplicity of views exists on how to best foment economic and social development. The discussion paper series aims to reflect this diversity.


  • UNCTAD BioTrade Initiative: BioTrade principles and criteria
     The BioTrade principles and criteria have been defined by the UNCTAD BioTrade Initiative and the BioTrade national programmes, and provide the core of the conceptual framework underlying the BioTrade Initiative's activities. They take into account the relevance of trade for specific species and ecosystems. This paper sets out the criteria to which BioTrade actors should aspire. These come under the following categories:  

SA's ability to export high-value agricultural commodities

  • A South African Export Opportunity Scan For Value-Added Agricultural Products

    South African and global trade is greatly affected by the growth and stability of world markets. Global food demand is altered by changes in world population, economic growth, and income. Other factors affecting trade are global supplies and prices, changes in exchange rates, government support of agriculture and trade policies.


  • Privatisation and liberalisation in the agricultural sector: an examination of processes and outcomes in three African cases