The SADC Protocol on Transport, Communications and Meteorology (TCM) of 1996 aims to integrate the transport sector in the region. It places strong emphasis on the commercialisation of transport services provision and private sector participation in road transport infrastructure development and maintenance. The Protocol on TCM focuses on three core themes relating to road transport namely the development and maintenance of road infrastructure and funding, the regulation of road users (vehicles, drivers and market access), and road transport facilitation. These three areas together contribute to the facilitation of intra-regional trade and the realisation of the region’s developmental integration objectives.

The scope of the Protocol is vast and its objectives very ambitious. However, the circumstances in the transport sector have changed since its adoption in 1996. SADC MS are now negotiating the establishment of the Tripartite COMESA-EAC-SADC FTA which requires, amongst other things, the harmonisation of road transport regulation in the Tripartite Region to facilitate trade among them. Greater focus is also now placed on the development of transport corridors and the facilitation of transport, border, customs and transit measures along particular routes. This may necessitate a review of the Protocol on TCM to make provision for these changing conditions.

Many obligations remain unimplemented or partially implemented. Some of the obligations contained in the Protocol on TCM may have proven unattainable or unrealistic. A clear implementation plan of the Protocol on TCM, aligned to the planning format of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) and Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan (RIDMP) is required to consolidate and deepen regional integration. The setting of targets for implementation over the short-, medium- and long-term requires evidence-based planning, aligning of budgeting processes and strong regional coordination and monitoring systems to oversee the effective implementation of activities at the national level.

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