The President of Gambia participates in the ninth SACU summit to discuss economic, trade and industrial integration.
Discussion on enhancing economic integration
Written by: Mohammed Omran
President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndetwah, President Gambia The ninth summit of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), scheduled to be held on June 26, 2026 in Cape Town, Republic of South Africa, with the participation of the leaders of the member states.
The President of Gambia participates in the ninth SACU summit in Cape Town.
The summit brings together heads of state and government and representatives of the five member states of the Union, namely: Namibia, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and South Africa, to discuss a number of key issues related to regional economic integration, strengthening trade cooperation and supporting industrial development plans.
As the highest decision-making body within the Union, the Summit is responsible for determining the strategic directions of SACU, setting work priorities, and monitoring the implementation of joint programs and initiatives among member states.
Discussion on enhancing economic integration
The ninth summit is scheduled to discuss a range of important issues, most notably reviewing the report of the Union's Council of Ministers on the implementation of the strategic plan (2022–2027), reviewing global economic developments and their impact on the economies of the Union's member states, in addition to discussing the future of the Union and developing its mechanisms to keep pace with international changes.
The summit will also address regional manufacturing, the development of shared value chains, the modernization of customs systems, and the facilitation of trade, in addition to promoting investment opportunities and leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to support economic integration.
The Southern African Customs Union is one of the oldest economic blocs in the world, playing a pivotal role in promoting economic and trade cooperation among the countries of the southern part of the continent, and supporting common development paths.
The summit will be preceded by a series of technical and ministerial meetings from June 18 to 24, 2026, to review the progress made on programs and initiatives, and to submit the necessary recommendations to the leaders.
The Namibian president is scheduled to leave for South Africa on the morning of June 26, and will return to her country on the same day after the summit concludes.
