SACUM-UK Deepens Trade Ties to Boost Economic Growth. The Southern African Customs Union (SACU), Mozambique, and the United Kingdom (UK) have reaffirmed their commitment to stronger trade relations during the First Joint Council Meeting under the SACUM-UK Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in Gaborone.
The two-day meeting focused on reviewing progress since the EPA came into effect in 2021 and adopting key regulatory frameworks. Officials approved the Rules of Procedure for the Joint Council and the Trade and Development Committee, as well as mechanisms for dispute resolution, ensuring efficiency in trade governance.
Botswana’s Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Tiroeaone Ntsima, emphasized the agreement’s role in regional economic growth. “This agreement strengthens our trade position, offering stability for businesses while supporting industrialization within SACU and Mozambique,” he said.
Trade Performance and Industrial GrowthSACU’s exports to the UK saw an initial increase after the EPA’s implementation, rising from R69 billion in 2019 to R122.2 billion in 2021. However, exports declined to R99 billion in 2023, partly due to global economic shifts. Imports from the UK followed a similar pattern.
A key outcome of the meeting was the emphasis on industrialization. SACU’s Strategic Plan (2022-2027) focuses on strengthening regional value chains in priority sectors such as agro-processing, textiles, automotives, and mineral beneficiation. The SACU Trade Facilitation and Logistics Programme was also highlighted as a critical initiative to streamline customs cooperation and align with global trade standards.
The Joint Council reaffirmed SACUM-UK’s commitment to a rules-based trade system, ensuring transparency and long-term economic benefits for all stakeholders.
