44 Years of Regional Integration Under Scrutiny
On 13th December 2024, the SADC headquarters in Gaborone was officially handed over to the Southern African Development Community. The event was celebrated with pomp, speeches, and dignitaries praising the achievement. Yet, beyond the ceremony, a question lingers: What has SADC truly achieved in its 44 years of existence?
Founded in 1980, SADC’s mission has been to promote regional integration, peace, and socio-economic development among its 16 member states. However, the gap between its aspirations and tangible results remains wide, especially when compared to other regional blocs like the European Union (EU).
SADC vs EU: A Tale of Two Paths
The European Union started in 1957 with six nations under the Treaty of Rome. Over 38 years, it transformed into a unified economic and political force. The EU launched the Schengen Agreement to eliminate borders and introduced a common currency, the Euro, by 1999. This success resulted from binding legal frameworks, strong institutions, and political will.
By contrast, SADC, with its shared colonial histories and similar languages, remains fragmented. Intra-regional trade is minimal, there is no unified currency, and barriers to the free movement of people persist. Where the EU prioritized integration, SADC has struggled to progress beyond protocols and agreements.
The Sovereignty Dilemma
One key barrier for SADC lies in its members’ historical relationship with sovereignty. Many SADC nations gained independence in the mid to late 20th century, and sovereignty remains deeply symbolic, tied to struggles against colonial rule. Relinquishing any part of that sovereignty to a regional body is seen as a potential threat to independence.
In contrast, EU member states were long-established nations with secure identities by the time the European project began. This made it easier for them to pool sovereignty for mutual benefits. Even so, Brexit showed that sovereignty concerns are universal, though more acute in SADC.
The High Cost of Non-Integration
SADC’s failure to integrate comes at a steep price. Economists estimate that regional integration could boost GDP by up to 60%. Instead, SADC nations trade more with Europe, China, and the US than with each other. This lack of intra-regional trade weakens economic resilience, stifles industrialization, and limits job creation.
Infrastructure development remains poorly coordinated. Transport corridors, energy networks, and logistics systems are underdeveloped or disconnected. For instance, Botswana’s aspiration to become a regional transport hub remains misaligned with the SADC Transport Master Plan.
The Kazungula Bridge—a major transport project—was added to SADC plans only after extensive diplomatic efforts. Similarly, despite adopting the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP), SADC’s target of a regional currency by 2018 was pushed back to 2063.
Tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and inconsistent border regulations further hinder trade. Agreements like the SADC Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons remain largely unimplemented as governments resist open borders, citing fears of job losses and sovereignty erosion.
Why Has SADC Struggled?
SADC’s challenges stem from multiple factors:
- Weak Institutions: SADC lacks supranational bodies with enforcement powers. Unlike the EU, its decisions are non-binding, leaving implementation to the discretion of member states.
- Donor Dependency: Reliance on external funding often prioritizes peacekeeping and crisis management over economic integration.
- Asymmetrical Economies: South Africa’s economic dominance creates tensions. Smaller states fear marginalization, while South Africa hesitates to shoulder the leadership burden.
- Lack of Political Will: Leaders often prioritize national interests, paying lip service to regional goals. Of SADC’s 54 agreements, many are ratified but rarely implemented.
- Misaligned Objectives: SADC stretches itself thin, pursuing multiple goals—from climate change to security—without focusing on economic integration.
Lessons from the EU
Despite its failures, SADC’s potential remains immense. The region boasts abundant natural resources, a population comparable to the United States, and a strategic location. If properly harnessed, SADC could emerge as a global economic powerhouse.
The EU’s success provides a clear roadmap: start with economic integration. Creating a single market must become SADC’s top priority. This requires eliminating tariffs, harmonizing trade regulations, and removing non-tariff barriers. The Southern African Customs Union (SACU) could serve as a foundation for expanding regional integration.
Reviving Regional Integration
To move from symbolism to substance, SADC must:
- Strengthen Institutions: Grant the Secretariat enforcement powers and establish penalties for non-compliance.
- Focus on Infrastructure: Prioritize integrated regional transport corridors, energy projects, and digital connectivity.
- Promote Labour Mobility: Fully implement the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons through phased approaches to address member state concerns.
- Pursue Monetary Cooperation: Begin with pegged currencies or a regional settlement system as a precursor to a common currency.
- Foster Private Sector Involvement: Businesses must play a central role in driving trade, investment, and innovation.
- Measure Progress: Set clear, time-bound targets for integration, with independent reviews to ensure accountability.
South Africa, as the region’s largest economy, must take on greater leadership. This includes supporting smaller economies, driving regional projects, and fostering trust among member states.
Beyond the Symbolism
The SADC headquarters in Gaborone stands as a powerful symbol of regional aspirations. But symbolism alone cannot mask 44 years of missed opportunities. Regional integration is not an abstract ideal; it is a proven pathway to shared prosperity. For Botswana, the benefits of SADC integration are especially significant, given its strategic location and economic goals.
SADC must urgently refocus its vision, learning from the EU while addressing its unique challenges. The time for speeches and ceremonies is over. The future demands action—and substance.