Without considering optimal currency area criteria, a convergence programme needed to be more of a peer review mechanism where policy dialogue and sharing of ideas could occur rather than an exercise in grilling wayward economic officials. As a peer review mechanism, the convergence programme should generate some benefits to SADC members.
Small and medium enterprises in our region, as well as in other parts of the world, have similar features and are confronted by similar problems such as the lack of: •  Finance;  •  entrepreneurial/managerial skills;  •  access to appropriate technology and information systems; and  •  appropriate policy and guidelines.