The summit, to be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre 2, will bring together leaders from South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, and Namibia to discuss the future direction of SACU and ways to strengthen economic cooperation across the region.
Ahead of the summit, Xolelwa Mlumbi-Peter, chairperson of the SACU Senior Trade Officials, said in a media statement that the gathering will provide a strategic platform for member states to deepen regional integration, bolster industrial cooperation, and advance initiatives aimed at economic growth and job creation.
She added that SACU’s future growth will increasingly depend on moving beyond traditional trade arrangements towards stronger industrial collaboration and expanded productive capacity.
“We are working towards a more industrialised and competitive SACU that leverages regional value chains, supports manufacturing development, and creates opportunities for businesses and citizens across all member states.”
Opportunities for agriculture
The summit’s agenda is expected to have particular relevance for agriculture and agro-processing, which are increasingly viewed as important drivers of regional industrial development.
Agricultural products, livestock, grain, fresh produce, and processed foods move extensively across SACU borders. Improved trade facilitation, harmonised customs procedures, and stronger regional value chains could help reduce transaction costs and improve market access for farmers and agribusinesses.
Mlumbi-Peter highlighted agro-processing as one of the industries with significant potential for deeper regional cooperation. Others identified were automotive manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals beneficiation, and emerging green industries.
The summit is also expected to assess progress in customs modernisation, investment promotion, and regional value chain development.
Positioning for continental trade
Another key discussion point will be the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area, which aims to create a single African market for goods and services.
According to Mlumbi-Peter, strengthening regional value chains and improving trade facilitation will help SACU countries compete more effectively in both continental and global markets.
The summit will receive updates on the implementation and mid-term review of the SACU Strategic Plan 2022–2027, consider emerging global developments affecting member economies, and discuss the future direction of what officials have termed a “re-imagined SACU”.
