Trade restrictions imposed by SACU partners, including Namibia, Botswana, and Mozambique, are raising concerns about the future of regional integration and South Africa’s agricultural sector. Agbiz has warned that limitations on exports of vegetables, fruit, and poultry undermine the free movement of goods and disrupt trade within the bloc.
The Southern African Customs Union (SACU), established in 1910, is one of the oldest customs unions in the world and has long been regarded as a cornerstone of regional economic cooperation.
Executive Director of the Democracy Development Programme, Dr Paul Kariuki, says SACU remains a significant success on the continent. “It is one of those unions that has stood the test of time and continues to provide meaningful opportunities for regional trade integration,” he said.
However, recent unilateral restrictions are placing strain on these long-standing agreements. Experts warn that such measures could erode trust among member states and potentially threaten food security in the region.
Kariuki added that SACU has created “a very strong environment to facilitate trade integration,” but stressed the importance of continued cooperation. Stakeholders are now calling for urgent dialogue and coordinated strategies to ease tensions and safeguard the stability of the union.
Listen to the full interview below:
VOC News
Photo: Pixabay
