Moses Magadza
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is set to hold a high-level dialogue today on trade justice, following the announcement of sweeping tariffs by the United States that have shaken Global South economies.
The meeting, which will take place in a hybrid format, is organised by the SADC Parliamentary Forum’s Standing Committee on Trade, Industry, Finance, and Investment (TIFI), with about 50 key participants expected to attend.
The dialogue comes after US President Donald Trump’s April 2 announcement of a 10% baseline tariff on all imports, along with reciprocal tariffs targeting regions like Southern Africa.
While a 90-day pause on the tariffs affecting the SADC region was declared on April 9, long-term concerns over the impact remain.
Under the theme “Mitigating the Impact of US Reciprocal Tariffs on SADC Economies and Women and Girls”, the event will focus on addressing growing inequalities in global trade.
The organisers argue that these tariffs are not merely technical trade issues but are also matters of justice, sovereignty, and dignity.
The dialogue will feature a range of participants, including trade economists, grassroots leaders, feminist advocates, civil society actors, and policymakers.
The Minister of Trade and Industry of Lesotho, Members of Parliament from South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, and representatives from various organisations, such as SEATINI, Oxfam South Africa, and the African Union’s AfCFTA Secretariat, will also attend.
Opening remarks will be delivered by Alice Kanengoni, CEO of the Southern Africa Trust, while Dr Liepollo Lebohang Pheko will facilitate the discussions.
Among the key speakers are Rangarirai Machemedze, a policy analyst with expertise in trade agreements, and Mapule Maema, a businesswoman and development practitioner focused on economic justice and trade.
The meeting will highlight how the US tariffs threaten livelihoods, particularly in sectors such as textiles and informal cross-border trade, where women are heavily involved.
While key mineral exports, like platinum, chrome, and manganese, are exempt from tariffs, the dialogue will explore how these sectors have marginalised women and failed to provide inclusive economic benefits.
Discussions will also address the impending expiration of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in September 2025, arguing for diversified trade partnerships, value addition, and strengthened intra-African trade through the AfCFTA.
Breakout sessions will focus on feminist trade models and support for women-led enterprises.
The dialogue aims to produce a Regional Feminist Trade Justice Framework and policy recommendations for SADC and African Union bodies, contributing to the AGOA and AfCFTA processes.
Boemo Sekgoma, Secretary General of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, will deliver a high-level address during the event.
Moses Magadza serves as the media and communications manager for the SADC Parliamentary Forum.
