President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah held bilateral discussions with South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa in Johannesburg yesterday.

The Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Executive Secretary, Dumisani Masilela, has said the union plays a vital role in the management of the regions' economies.

Masilela made the remarks during a courtesy visit to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. 

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has underlined the importance of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), describing it as a vital pillar in regional and global economic arrangements.

Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah has tabled a budget of N$106.3 billion for the 2025-2026 financial year, the maiden budget of the new administration of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. 

The budget, themed "Beyond 35, for a Prosperous Future", marks an increase of 22.6% from the previous year.

Cabinet has directed the Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, Iipumbu Shiimi, to lead a comprehensive assessment of the proposed re-imagined Southern African Customs Union (SACU).

This was part of the recommendations at the 8th Summit of the SACU Heads of State and Government held in Eswatini.

President Hage Geingob and his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, have directed that an audit of all legal instruments of cooperation be carried out before the meeting of the Bi-National Commission.

State House says President Hage Geingob and his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa will discuss bilateral issues including the Orange River Border question, the Southern African Customs Union as well as regional, continental and international matters of mutual concern.

The business community is encouraged to take advantage of the Authorized Economic Operator Programme meant to ensure that the Southern African Customs Union collectively becomes competitive in trade facilitations and creates a robust regional value chain.

The Southern African Customs Union has presented a tariff offer to the African Continental Free Trade Area pleading for a reduction in tariff rates. 

This is to ensure that the SACU business community leverage on the benefits of the AfCFTA while encouraging intra-Africa trade.