MANZINI – His Majesty King Mswati III today left the country for the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Summit taking place in Cape Town, South Africa.
The King departed from King Mswati III International Airport accompanied by Inkhosikati LaGija.
He was seen off by members of the Royal Family, Cabinet ministers, senior government officials and members of the public.
The summit, hosted by South Africa, brings together Heads of State and Government from the five SACU member countries – Eswatini, South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho and Namibia.
This year’s gathering marks the 9th SACU Summit of Heads of State and Government and follows a series of technical, administrative and ministerial meetings that have been taking place in Cape Town since June 18.
Leaders are expected to discuss regional trade, industrialisation, investment promotion and economic integration as member States seek to strengthen cooperation and unlock new growth opportunities.
According to SACU, the summit serves as the highest political and strategic decision-making body of the customs union.
It provides overall direction to the organisation and oversees the implementation of decisions taken through its governance structures.
Among the key issues expected to feature prominently are customs modernisation, trade facilitation, regional value chains and measures aimed at increasing industrial production within member States.
The leaders are also expected to review opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to expand trade and economic cooperation among African countries.
SACU is recognised as the world’s oldest functioning customs union, having been established in 1910.
Its origins date back even further to customs arrangements that existed in Southern Africa during the late nineteenth century.
The organisation was created to facilitate trade among member States through a common customs territory and coordinated trade policies.
Under the arrangement, goods move freely within SACU member States, while a common external tariff is applied to imports entering the customs area from outside the bloc.
Revenue collected from customs and excise duties is shared among member countries through an agreed formula, making SACU receipts an important source of income for smaller economies such as Eswatini and Lesotho.
Over the years, the customs union has evolved beyond revenue sharing to place greater emphasis on industrial development, competitiveness and regional economic integration.
The Cape Town meeting comes three years after Eswatini hosted the 8th SACU Summit at Mandvulo in June 2023.
The summit rotates among member States and provides leaders with an opportunity to assess progress made on previous resolutions while setting priorities for the year ahead.
Economic analysts have described the gathering as important at a time when countries across the region are seeking ways to boost economic growth, create employment opportunities and improve resilience against global economic challenges.
The discussions are expected to focus on practical measures that can improve trade efficiency, attract investment and strengthen productive sectors across member States.
Regional leaders are also expected to consider strategies for enhancing the competitiveness of Southern African industries and increasing participation in continental and international markets.
For Eswatini, participation in the summit reflects the country’s continued commitment to regional cooperation and efforts aimed at advancing economic development through stronger partnerships within Southern Africa.
The summit is expected to conclude with the adoption of resolutions and a communiqué outlining the organisation’s priorities and strategic direction for the coming year.
