South Africa has concluded the 9th Southern African Customs Union Summit, reaffirming member states’ commitment to industrialisation, regional trade and sustainable economic growth across Southern Africa.
The Summit brought together Heads of State and Government from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa to review progress on SACU’s strategic priorities and strengthen cooperation aimed at accelerating regional integration and economic development.
Proceedings included a series of technical engagements involving senior officials, ministers and policy makers before the Summit adopted key decisions designed to advance industrial development, trade facilitation and investment across the customs union.
Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau said the successful conclusion of the Summit reinforced SACU’s role as a driver of regional economic transformation.
“The outcomes of this Summit reaffirm our collective commitment to building a stronger, more industrialised and globally competitive SACU. As the world’s oldest functioning customs union, SACU continues to demonstrate that regional cooperation remains one of our greatest strengths in advancing inclusive growth, expanding trade and improving the lives of our people,” Tau said.
Member States reaffirmed their commitment to building a diversified, competitive and sustainable industrial base capable of supporting structural economic transformation while increasing intra-regional trade and investment.
Tau said industrialisation remains central to SACU’s long-term development agenda.
“By strengthening regional value chains, promoting investment, improving trade facilitation and supporting productive industries, we are laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth, job creation and shared prosperity across Southern Africa,” he said.
The Summit also highlighted the importance of customs modernisation, resource mobilisation and coordinated implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
According to Tau, SACU countries must fully utilise opportunities created by the AfCFTA to diversify export markets, expand value-added manufacturing and strengthen regional value chains.
Using the analogy of preparing a traditional Southern African meal, Tau said successful regional integration depends on every member contributing towards shared goals.
“The future of SACU requires the right ingredients brought together through partnership and shared purpose. Industrialisation, investment promotion, trade facilitation, AfCFTA implementation, resource mobilisation and effective institutions are all essential ingredients in building a customs union that delivers meaningful benefits for our citizens,” he said.
Tau also thanked Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana for his leadership as Chairperson of the SACU Council of Ministers and congratulated newly appointed SACU Executive Secretary Dumisani Masilela.
The Summit concluded with Member States reaffirming their vision of a stronger, more competitive customs union that promotes inclusive economic growth, regional resilience and sustainable development.
As host of the 9th SACU Summit, South Africa committed to working closely with fellow Member States, including incoming Chair Botswana, to implement the Summit’s decisions and strengthen regional economic cooperation.
