Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) Chairperson Hubertus Hamm says there is a need for a review of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) agreement to address pressing trade challenges.
Hamm said as a member of SACU, Namibia advocates for balanced trade and equitable development among member states.
He called for a thorough review of the SACU Agreement, stressing that reforms are necessary to prevent any single member state from extracting disproportionate value, which undermines the region’s economic balance.
“As a member of SACU, Namibia advocates for balanced trade and equitable development among member states. We must review the SACU agreement to promote collective growth and prevent the extraction of value by one member state,” he said.
He further explained that the SACU Agreement, intended to democratise customs practices and ensure equitable benefits for all member states, remains largely unimplemented.
Key provisions, including the SACU Tariff Board, Industrial Policy, Revenue Sharing Mechanism, and Tribunal, have been neglected, particularly by South Africa.
“South Africa, in particular, has not fully adhered to the agreement, which affects the balance of trade and economic activity within SACU. It is imperative for South Africa to lead a strategy to reform SACU to foster collective growth rather than competition,” he said.
In the context of Namibia’s agricultural ambitions, the Chairperson expressed optimism about the forthcoming Five-Year Crop Value Chain Development Strategy, set to be launched in March 2025.
The strategy aims to drive agricultural growth through targeted interventions, addressing policy gaps, and strengthening regional partnerships.
“I am optimistic that the upcoming Five-Year Crop Value Chain Development Strategy, launching in March next year, will drive further development through targeted interventions, addressing necessary policy changes, and bolstering regional relationships,” he said.
