The Republic of South Africa today successfully concluded the 9th Summit of Heads of State or Government of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), marking another important milestone in advancing regional economic integration, industrialisation and sustainable development within Southern Africa.
The Summit brought together the Heads of State and Government of Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa to review progress in implementing SACU’s strategic priorities and provide political and strategic direction on strengthening regional cooperation, trade and industrial development.
Proceedings of the Summit were preceded by a series of technical and the Commission of Senior Officials’ meetings, the Ministerial Retreat and the SACU Council of Ministers, where Member States reaffirmed their shared commitment to building a diversified, competitive, sustainable and equitable industrial base that supports structural transformation and deeper regional integration.
Delivering an overview of the Summit, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau, said the successful conclusion of the Summit reaffirmed SACU’s continued relevance as a catalyst for regional development and 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,” he said.
Tau said Member States had reaffirmed their commitment to positioning SACU as an engine for regional integration, industrial and economic diversification, expanded intra-regional trade and investment, policy harmonisation and sustainable economic development.
He added that the Summit underscored the importance of strengthening regional productive capacity, enhancing competitiveness and creating an enabling environment for investment and industrial growth.
“Industrialisation remains at the centre of SACU’s 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,” said Tau.
In addition, Tau said that Member States also recognised the importance of strengthening cooperation in customs modernisation, trade facilitation, resource mobilisation and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), while continuing to pursue coordinated engagement in regional and global trade matters. In this context, SACU should leverage opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and other preferential trade arrangements that SACU is party to in order to diversify markets, expand value-added exports, and foster greater participation in both regional and continental value chains.
Using the analogy of preparing a traditional Southern African meal around a shared fire, he described the future of SACU as one that requires collective effort, patience and deliberate action.
“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,” said Tau.
He expressed appreciation to the Chairperson of the SACU Council of Ministers, Minister of Finance, Mr Enoch Godongwana, for his leadership and stewardship during the Ministerial engagements, and congratulated the Executive Secretary of SACU, Mr Dumisani Masilela, on his appointment, expressing confidence in his leadership of the Secretariat.
The Summit reaffirmed SACU’s long-term vision of becoming an economic community that promotes equitable and sustainable development, while strengthening regional competitiveness, industrial cooperation and economic resilience.
As South Africa concludes its hosting of the 9th SACU Summit, the country remains committed to working closely with fellow Member States, including the incoming Chair of Summit, Botswana, to implement the decisions of the Summit and advance a re-imagined SACU that supports industrialisation, investment, trade and inclusive economic development across the region.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Kaamil Alli – Ministerial Spokesperson
Mobile: +27 82 520 6813
WhatsApp: +27 82 520 6813
E-mail: KAlli@thedtic.gov.za
Or
Ms Bongani Lukhele – Director: Media Relations
Tel: (012) 394 1643
Mobile: 079 5083 457
WhatsApp: 074 2998 512
E-mail: BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za
Or
Ms Rauna Mumbuu – Acting Communications Manager
SACU Secretariat
Tel: +264 61 295 8000
Mobile: +264 81 168 6398
Email: Rauna.mumbuu@sacu.int
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