The Southern African Development Community (SADC), in partnership with the European Union (EU), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and the International Trade Centre (ITC), officially launched the $27 million Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access (ATCMA) – SADC Programme in Antananarivo, Madagascar,
The launch took place during the 8th SADC Industrialization Week, reinforcing the strategic link between regional industrialization and international cooperation.
This initiative forms part of the EU’s broader $216 million ATCMA strategy under the Global Gateway, aimed at mobilizing $162 billion to advance Africa’s green and digital transformation.
The programme is designed to elevate the competitiveness of Southern African small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by improving market access, aligning products with international standards, and strengthening Quality Infrastructure across the region.
Jointly implemented by UNIDO and ITC, ATCMA–SADC places particular emphasis on supporting women- and youth-led businesses, promoting economic inclusion, and developing resilient, fair and sustainable supply chains.
Speaking at the ceremony, Madagascar’s Minister of Industrialization and Trade, David Ralambofiringa, stated, “The ATCMA–SADC programme offers a unique opportunity to develop key value chains in the region. This is not merely about improving market access but also about removing technical barriers, enhancing product quality, and supporting economic actors in the region.”
Angele Makombo N’tumba, Deputy Executive Secretary of SADC, described the initiative as “a timely and strategic effort” to operationalize the region’s Industrialization Strategy and Roadmap (2015–2063), while Catalin Gherman from the EU Delegation underscored the depth of collaboration: “This programme reflects the strength of the EU–SADC partnership and contributes to building a more integrated and prosperous region.”
Beyond regional impact, the ATCMA–SADC Programme is part of the EU’s commitment to Africa–Europe cooperation through the Global Gateway Africa–Europe Investment Package. It also supports continental aspirations including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), AU Agenda 2063, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Fairly assessed, this initiative signals a substantive shift toward inclusive growth, strengthened industrial ecosystems, and meaningful SME empowerment. It creates strategic space for African economies particularly those within SADC to not only integrate into global markets but to compete with greater resilience and value.
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