The upcoming Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Summit of Heads of State or Government is expected to provide a key platform for Member States to advance regional cooperation, strengthen industrial development and accelerate economic transformation across Southern Africa.
“The SACU Summit provides a strategic platform for Member States to deepen regional integration, strengthen industrial cooperation and advance practical initiatives that support economic growth, job creation and shared prosperity across our region,” said the Chairperson of the SACU Senior Trade Officials, Xolelwa Mlumbi-Peter, on Tuesday.
South Africa will host the 9th SACU Summit of Heads of State or Government on 26 June 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre 2 (CTICC 2) in Cape Town.
Mlumbi-Peter said SACU’s future growth would increasingly depend on its ability to move beyond traditional trade arrangements towards greater productive capacity and stronger industrial collaboration.
"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.
“Through closer cooperation, we can unlock new opportunities in sectors such as automotive manufacturing, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals beneficiation and emerging green industries," she said.
Mlumbi-Peter emphasised that SACU remains an important building block for broader African economic integration.
"The implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area presents significant opportunities for SACU Member States. By strengthening regional value chains and improving trade facilitation, we can position our region to compete more effectively in continental and global markets," she said.
The Summit will bring together Heads of State or Government and representatives of the five SACU Member States — the Republic of Botswana, the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Republic of Namibia and the Republic of South Africa — to deliberate on key issues affecting regional economic integration, industrial development and trade cooperation.
As SACU’s highest decision-making institution, the Summit provides strategic and political direction to the organisation and oversees the implementation of its programmes and priorities.
The 9th SACU Summit is expected to consider several strategic matters aimed at advancing regional economic development and integration.
Among the key items on the agenda will be an update from the SACU Council of Ministers on the implementation and mid-term review of the SACU Strategic Plan (2022–2027), reflections on emerging global developments and their impact on SACU economies, as well as a report on the re-imagined SACU and its future direction.
The Summit will also provide an opportunity for Member States to assess progress in areas such as industrialisation, regional value chains, customs modernisation, trade facilitation, investment promotion and opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Summit will be preceded by a series of technical, administrative and ministerial meetings from 18 to 24 June 2026, which will consider progress made in implementing SACU programmes and priorities and prepare recommendations for consideration by Heads of State or Government. – SAnews.gov.za
