Analysis of available capacity and progress made within SADC in respect to liberalising market access in road freight industry

Abstract

From a border orientation various industries have been liberalised and the most significant market liberalisation industry initiatives which have been made thus far are in relation to trade and transport, which is key to economic growth and development especially for developing countries and regions. In order to grow and improve transport within the Southern African region, Member States in 1998 under the leadership of South Africa developed the SADC protocol on Transport, Communications and Meteorology which amongst other things seeks to liberalize market access and allow for increased trade and competitiveness of the SADC market as a region. This paper analyses and assesses the capacity and progress being made to liberalise market access with specific regard to road freight in the SADC region. In delivering the study, qualitative method was used focusing on relevant literature in regard to benefits and experiences of market liberalisation. The paper concludes that phased deregulation and gradual liberalisation would yield tangible results for SADC and such an approach requires binding commitment from Member States in order to achieve full liberalisation. To achieve market liberalisation, this paper recommends that SADC can consider quality regulation as an option for the realisation of market liberalisation in regard to road freight based on the example of the EU trading bloc.