Thabo Khasipe, Executive Secretary of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) announced the change of chairmanship of the Regional economic structure.

The Republic of Namibia will assume the Chairmanship of the SACU Summit, Council of Ministers and Commission, as from the 15th April to the 14th July 2025.

Namibia takes over from Lesotho.

Khasipe also announced Dr Nangolo Mbumba,  the President of the Namibia, will assume the role of the Chairperson of the SACU Summit.

Despite this, the ban on the export of South Africa’s vegetable and fruits continues.

Thabile Nkunjana, Agri-food Chains Economist and Dr Christo Joubert, Manager of Agri-food chains Research Unit, of National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC), said the ban on selected products, mainly vegetables by SACU countries in particular, Namibia and Botswana, are justified to protect infant industries in those countries.

However, the ban goes against principles of customs union and affect the regional value chain.

“In Africa, SA is amongst top suppliers of food underpinned by century long investments in agricultural finance, irrigation infrastructure, technology and skills development across a number of agricultural commodities and climates.”

According to a write up published by the NAMC,  SA’s potato exports to global markets, has averaged about R705 million per year, from 2017 to 2021.
About 97% of this amount, is generated from African markets.

During this period, some R125 million came from Namibia and about R105 million from Botswana.

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