Malagasy Presidency of the SADC: An Opportunity Not to Be Missed

The services sector represents approximately 50% of the combined GDP of SADC member countries. However, Madagascar has not yet fully capitalized on this regional potential.

The conference held at the headquarters of the Antananarivo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIA) on August 6, 2025, highlighted the opportunities offered by this market, as well as the efforts required to better integrate into it. SADC, which comprises 16 countries and over 370 million inhabitants, is worth over 700 billion USD in GDP.

Thanks to the protocol on trade in services adopted in 2012, seven priority sectors are currently being liberalized: finance, communications, transport, energy, tourism, education, and construction. Madagascar, a member since 2004, trades mainly with South Africa, Mauritius, and Mozambique. In 2023, Malagasy exports to SADC amounted to USD 160 million, compared to more than USD 500 million in imports. This is an imbalance that the country hopes to correct, particularly by focusing on services.

SADC Business Council President Gervais Atta called for concrete action. “Today, trade is still hampered by differing regulations between countries. We need to harmonize rules and facilitate the free movement of services,” he said. The official also emphasized the importance of promoting Malagasy products in regional markets. According to him, Madagascar’s current chairmanship of the SADC is a strategic opportunity. “This is the time to make our voice heard and defend our interests. No one will do it for us,” he added.