EAEU and SADC discuss expanding trade and economic cooperation

At the headquarters of the Eurasian Economic Commission, EEC Minister for Integration and Macroeconomics Daniyar Imanaliev and SADC Executive Secretary Elias Mpedi Magosi discussed the development of trade and economic cooperation. The talks concerned expanding trade and economic ties between the EAEU countries and Southern Africa.

Imanaliev presented the EAEU's international priorities and said the union's experience in trade simplification, digitalization of customs procedures, application of rules of origin and removal of non-tariff barriers could be of practical interest to SADC. He also listed technical regulation, support for industrial cooperation and work with business associations among possible areas for exchange.

Magosi set out SADC's development priorities: building a single market for goods and services, implementing infrastructure projects, ensuring food security, cooperation in agriculture and creating transport corridors. He proposed using SADC Industrialization Week — an annual business forum held in July-August in the chairing country — as a key platform for dialogue between EAEU and African business.

The sides agreed to intensify contacts and work out joint events involving the business and expert community, with the aim of raising business awareness of opportunities in the EAEU and SADC markets. Imanaliev invited the partners to take part in the Eurasian Economic Forum, scheduled for May 2027 in Bishkek. According to the publication, SADC comprises 16 African states and is headquartered in Gaborone (Botswana).