South Africa will host the 9th Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Summit of Heads of State or Government in Cape Town on Friday where leaders are expected to push for closer regional cooperation, stronger industrial development and deeper economic integration across the five‑member bloc.
Formed in 1910, SACU is the world’s oldest customs union and comprises Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa. It serves as a key platform for coordinating trade policy, customs administration and industrial development across Southern Africa.
Xolelwa Mlumbi‑Peter, chairperson of the SACU Senior Trade Officials, said the summit offers an opportunity for member states to accelerate efforts to build a more industrialised and competitive regional economy.
She said SACU’s future growth depends on moving beyond traditional tariff‑based cooperation towards stronger regional value chains and productive capacity.
“Through closer cooperation, we can unlock new opportunities in sectors such as automotive manufacturing, agro‑processing, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals beneficiation and emerging green industries,” the official said.
The summit will consider progress on the SACU Strategic Plan (2022–2027), assess global economic developments affecting the region and review proposals under the “re‑imagined SACU” agenda aimed at strengthening the bloc’s long‑term relevance.
Leaders are also expected to discuss customs modernisation, trade facilitation, investment promotion and opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area, which SACU views as a major lever for expanding regional and continental trade.
Technical and ministerial meetings held from 18 to 24 June have prepared recommendations for the heads of state, who will provide political direction on the next phase of SACU’s integration and industrialisation efforts.
The summit comes as SACU seeks to reposition itself in a rapidly shifting global trade environment.
JN/APA