SACU Member States Convene Inaugural Meeting on Automotive and Mineral Beneficiation. Member States of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) have convened in Johannesburg for the first official meeting focused on the Automotive and Mineral Beneficiation sectors. The four-day gathering marks a significant milestone in SACU’s efforts to advance regional industrialisation through targeted collaboration.
The meeting, chaired by Namibia, follows the directive of SACU Heads of State during their summit in September 2024, which emphasised the need for concrete action in value addition and regional manufacturing. Namibia’s 12-member delegation comprises representatives from both government and the private sector, reflecting a whole-of-society approach to regional economic development. Ms Ilona Nkandi from Namibia’s Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade is presiding over the sessions.
SACU Executive Secretary Mr Thabo David Khasipe is in attendance, providing strategic guidance on the Secretariat’s role in supporting Member States in implementing industrialisation strategies. South Africa, the host country, is represented by Ambassador Xolelwa Mlumbi-Peter.
The focus of the meeting is two-fold: fostering the development of a regional automotive components manufacturing sector and enhancing value addition in mineral beneficiation. Both sectors are seen as critical to SACU’s long-term industrial competitiveness and economic diversification.
This inaugural meeting provides a platform for Member States to align policy frameworks, explore joint investment opportunities, and identify barriers to intra-regional trade and production. Discussions will also address skills development, technology transfer, and investment promotion as part of the broader industrial agenda.