Ramaphosa Calls for 'Re-Imagined' Regional Customs Union as Engine of Industrialisation & Self-Reliance
Ramaphosa Calls for 'Re-Imagined' Regional Customs Union as Engine of Industrialisation & Self-Reliance
The South African president urged member states of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) to move beyond the bloc's traditional role toward becoming a catalyst for industrialization, value addition, and resilience.
"One hundred and sixteen years ago this union was created to serve an empire. Today it must serve the aspirations of free African nations," Ramaphosa told the 9th SACU Summit in Cape Town.
Key highlights from the address:
🟠SACU economies are projected to grow at 2.64% in 2026, despite global trade tensions and the Middle East conflict.
🟠The union must leverage Africa's 30% share of global mineral reserves to fast‑track beneficiation and develop value chains.
🟠Shared infrastructure, including the Trans‑Kalahari Railway and cross‑border special economic zones, must be prioritized.
🟠Progress is noted in agriculture, automotive, and battery value chains, and on foot‑and‑mouth vaccine cooperation.
"We choose industrialization over dependence. We must work together for shared prosperity over narrow national interests," Ramaphosa added.
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