Southern Africa has made a move towards the eradication of leaded fuel, after the 13 member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) finalised preparations for ending the use of the fuel.

Under a 1991 commitment, members of the SADC agreed to phase out leaded fuel by 2007, but the pledge could begin to be fulfilled as early as the end of next month.

SADC energy ministers issued a statement after meeting on Friday, explaining that Tanzania would become the first SADC country to phase out the fuel by the end of November.

Other participants in the community are expected to follow suit in the next two years, with the group welcoming the progress being made.

"Almost 85 per cent of the world's petrol is unleaded today. Lead is a toxic poison that affects human health and has the greatest effect on undernourished children," the group declared in a statement carried by Reuters.

A further meeting is now being planned for December in order to address specific concerns and gauge the progress of the countries involved.

The availability of unleaded fuel would mean that cars fitted with autocatalysts could be more widely sold in the region.