Report on the forum on progress and prospects in the implementation of protocols in Southern Africa

Abstract

As part of its multi-year programme for 2008-09 with the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), the ECA Office in Southern Africa (ECA-SA) convened a Forum at the Cresta Golfview Hotel in Lusaka, Zambia from 29 to 31 May, 2008 to review progress towards regional integration in the sub region in light of the coming into force of SADC Free Trade Area (FTA) and the launching of the COMESA Customs Union (CU) in 2008 focusing on the pro¬tocols and treaty provisions on trade, transport and the free movement of persons. The objective of the Forum was to assess the progress made towards the launch of the CU in COMESA and the coming into force of FTA in SADC, the preparedness of all stakeholders and provide recom¬mendations towards enhancing the process of regional integration in Southern Africa.