By Eamonn Ryan
The Southern African Industrialisation Forum hosted a conference on 26–27 February 2024 with a range of panel discussions. This is part one of a five-part article.

The following discussion is titled “Leveraging Trade Agreements for Economic Growth in the SADC Region”, with the following panel members and key stakeholders:
- Peter Varndell: SADC Business Council Executive Secretary
- Desiderio Fernandes, FCFASA Federation President and Mozambican Logistics Professional
- Kafuta Mulemba, SADC Secretariat, SADC TA Lobito Corridor
- Gainmore Zanamwe, Afreximbank Senior Manager: Trade Facilitation
- In the field of regional trade and industrialisation efforts in Africa, the focus often falls on policies, agreements and market opportunities. However, one crucial aspect that underpins successful cold chain trade is efficient logistics. Without a well-functioning logistics framework, businesses face significant hurdles in transporting goods and conducting trade effectively. This is where organisations like the Federation of Clearing and Freight Forwarding Associations of Southern Africa (FCFASA) step in.
Formation and evolution of FCFFASA
Established as an idea in 2006 and officially launched in 2018, FCFASA initially comprised five member states. Over the years, it expanded its membership to include all 14 member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). In response to growing interest from non-SADC countries, FCFASA transitioned into a pan-African body in 2020, encompassing a wider geographical scope while maintaining its focus on SADC. By 2023, FCFASA had rebranded itself as the Federation of Clearing and Freight Forwarding Associations of Sovereign Africa, reflecting its pan-African outlook.
FCFASA operates as a private sector entity representing regional freight forwarders. Its structure consists of national freight forwarders associations from each member state, ensuring that regional-level discussions and initiatives trickle down to the national level. The organisation advocates for efficient trade policies, represents members’ interests across different levels, and engages in dialogue with key stakeholders, particularly customs authorities.
Challenges in trade corridors
Despite efforts to promote trade and streamline logistics, several challenges persist along trade corridors in southern Africa. One of the most significant hurdles is the lack of digitisation and interoperability among systems. With only a handful of countries fully digitalised, data sharing remains limited, hindering the seamless flow of goods across borders. Inconsistencies in infrastructure, such as one-stop border posts, further exacerbate inefficiencies. While initiatives like the North-South Corridor and the Maputo Corridor have shown promise, inconsistent implementation and limited data sharing hamper their effectiveness.
To overcome these challenges, FCFASA emphasises the importance of interconnectivity, both internally among government departments and externally between member states. Achieving seamless data sharing and compliance with trade agreements is essential to reducing delays and improving the ease of doing business. FCFASA advocates for increased collaboration, transparency and adherence to conventions and agreements to unlock the full potential of intra-African trade.
Efficient trade corridors are vital for driving economic growth and industrialisation in southern Africa and beyond. Organisations like FCFASA play a crucial role in advocating for policy reforms, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and addressing the challenges that hinder trade facilitation. By working together to overcome these obstacles, countries in the region can unlock new opportunities for prosperity and development through enhanced regional integration and trade.