BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
EZULWINI – Eswatini is hosting the 5th Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Task Team Meeting on Automotive and Mineral Beneficiation.
The crucial gathering aimed at accelerating automotive development and mineral beneficiation as member states push to unlock investment, create jobs and strengthen regional industrialisation.
The high-level meeting has attracted delegates from SACU member states who are working to strengthen regional cooperation in the automotive and mineral sectors, regarded as critical drivers of economic growth, job creation and industrial development.
Among those present are Sibu Khumalo from South Africa who is the Chairperson of the SACU Task Team on Automotive and Green Mineral Beneficiation, and Phesheya Dube, Under Secretary in Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, together with delegates, technical experts and senior officials from SACU member states and the SACU Secretariat.
Speaking during the opening session, Dube described the gathering as a significant step in advancing regional integration and economic transformation. He said the meeting builds on the progress made during previous engagements hosted by South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Lesotho.
Dube emphasised the importance of value addition and value chain development in unlocking the region’s economic potential, noting that SACU member states must work together to strengthen industries capable of competing in regional and global markets.
He further highlighted opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and SACU, saying these frameworks provide pathways for expanding markets, attracting investment and promoting sustainable industrial growth.
Khumalo said the task team was expected to advance work on the SACU Smart Specialisation Strategy on Automotive and Mineral Beneficiation, a key initiative aimed at strengthening regional industrial capacity and maximising the benefits of the region’s mineral resources.
He said discussions would also focus on the development of battery value chains, industrial participation opportunities involving Egypt and Algeria, and strategies to enhance cross-border industrial cooperation.
The meeting comes at a time when global demand for critical minerals used in battery production and green technologies continues to rise, creating new opportunities for SACU member states to move beyond the export of raw materials and into higher-value manufacturing activities.
Delegates are expected to formulate recommendations that will be submitted to SACU Senior Officials and the Council of Ministers for consideration as the region seeks to accelerate industrialisation and economic diversification.
The gathering is expected to provide fresh momentum for efforts to build stronger automotive and mineral beneficiation industries, while positioning Southern Africa to benefit from emerging opportunities in the global green economy.
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