Windhoek, Namibia – 15 July 2025
South Africa has assumed the Chairmanship of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), marking the start of its one-year leadership term from 15 July 2025. The transition follows SACU’s established alphabetical rotational schedule and sees South Africa take over from Namibia.
Key Appointments Under South Africa’s Chairmanship
With this handover, South Africa now leads SACU’s main decision-making bodies: the Summit, Council of Ministers, and SACU Commission. The change in leadership was formalised during a handover ceremony in Windhoek, Namibia.
• SACU Summit: President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has been appointed Chairperson, succeeding President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia.
• Council of Ministers: Minister Parks Tau, South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, replaces Namibia’s Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah.
• SACU Commission: Ambassador Xolelwa Mlumbi-Peter, South Africa’s Deputy Director-General for Trade, succeeds Dr. Michael Humavindu of Namibia.
In addition, Botswana’s Boikanyo Mathipa, Deputy Secretary for Financial Policy, assumes the chair of the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee. She replaces Boipuso Modise of South Africa.
Advancing Regional Economic Integration
SACU Executive Secretary Thabo David Khasipe underscored the importance of continuity, collaboration, and regional unity among member states. He noted that Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa must continue to align their efforts to deepen economic integration and promote intra-regional trade.
South Africa’s leadership comes at a strategic moment for the customs union as it navigates critical regional challenges, including industrial development, trade facilitation, and sustainable economic growth. As Chair, South Africa is expected to drive initiatives that support inclusive development and reinforce SACU’s position as a catalyst for regional prosperity.
Strengthening the Role of SACU in Southern Africa
The transition of SACU leadership is more than symbolic—it reflects the bloc’s shared commitment to policy coherence and equitable development. As the region’s largest economy, South Africa is uniquely positioned to advance key trade and customs reforms, enhance infrastructure connectivity, and support the economic resilience of smaller member states.
Stakeholders across the region are watching closely as South Africa assumes this influential role in shaping SACU’s policy agenda for the next year.
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About the Southern African Customs Union (SACU)
Founded in 1910, SACU is the world’s oldest customs union. Its core objective is to facilitate regional economic cooperation and create a unified trading environment for its five member states: Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa. The union plays a key role in promoting economic equity, trade liberalisation, and shared prosperity in Southern Africa.
