JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, Feb 18 ( NewsDayLive)-The Trade and Law Centre (Tralac) and the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) are jointly hosting an online training workshop on trade-related issues between Tuesday and Wednesday.
Masenate Molapo, manager for the standing committee on trade, industry, finance, and investment programme of the SADC PF, said the training seeks to equip Members of Parliament (MPs) and parliamentary staff with a foundational understanding of trade and trade agreements to better contribute to regional economic integration and policy development.
Through this training, SADC PF seeks to strengthen parliamentary oversight and legislative engagement in trade-related matters. The workshop will cater to MPs from portfolio committees dealing with trade, industry, finance, and economic affairs, as well as their clerks.
The sessions will provide insights into the fundamentals of international trade, the role of parliaments in trade governance, and the evolving landscape of African trade integration.
Topics will include introduction to international trade law and policy, to enable participants to understand why nations trade, how trade agreements are negotiated, and the role of parliaments in ratification. Africa’s trade and integration agenda will be discussed while exploring intra-Africa trade, the SADC trade framework, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
By fostering a deeper comprehension of trade policies and agreements, the workshop is expected to enhance parliamentary decision-making on economic matters, ensuring that SADC member states leverage the benefits of regional and international trade frameworks. Additionally, it is set to support MPs in advancing policies that promote trade-driven development and economic resilience across the region.
This virtual engagement, supported by SIDA, acknowledges the role of parliaments in shaping trade policies, strengthening governance, and ensuring that trade agreements align with national and regional priorities.
SADC PF secretary-general Boemo Sekgoma encouraged SADC MPs and staff of national parliaments to participate in the training.
She said, “This workshop is an essential opportunity for MPs and parliamentary staff to enhance their understanding of trade, trade agreements, and regional integration. Given the pivotal role of trade in economic growth and development, this training is particularly beneficial for all members including those serving on committees related to trade, industry, finance, and economics.”
Tralac executive director Trudi Hartzenberg and Tralac associate Gerhard Erasmus, are facilitating the training.
Hartzenberg has expert insights and knowledge on trade related issues, while Erasmus is Professor Emeritus of the Law Faculty at the University of Stellenbosch. He has a wealth of experience, having consulted for governments, the private sector, and regional organisations in southern Africa. He has also been involved in the drafting of the South African and Namibian constitutions.
