Meeting of the SACU Senior Trade Officials

SACU Senior Trade Officials (STOs) convened on 20 June 2026, in Cape Town, South Africa, to deliberate on key regional and international trade matters and provide strategic guidance on the Customs Union's trade agenda. The meeting was chaired by Ambassador Xolelwa Mlumbi-Peter, Deputy Director-General at South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. Ambassador Mlumbi-Peter emphasised the need to accelerate SACU’s regional integration agenda to strengthen economic resilience, advance industrialisation and position the region to take advantage of opportunities in a rapidly evolving global trade landscape. The meeting provided an opportunity for Senior Trade Officials to assess emerging trade challenges, consider policy responses and identify issues that would require strategic direction.