Ezulwini – The Kingdom of Eswatini is hosting delegates from across the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) for the 5th SACU Task Team Meeting on Automotive and Mineral Beneficiation, bringing together regional partners to advance industrialisation and value chain development across Southern Africa.
Officially welcoming delegates, Phesheya Dube, Under Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, spoke about the critical role of regional collaboration in driving industrialisation, value addition, and value chain development across the region.
The meeting builds on progress achieved through four previous gatherings held in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Lesotho, and seeks to advance the shared objectives of SACU, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). 
Dube encouraged Member States to leverage emerging opportunities, strategic partnerships, and regional agreements to strengthen industrial competitiveness, expand market access, and accelerate sustainable economic growth.
He also called on delegates, particularly young professionals, to embrace innovation, share knowledge, and develop practical solutions that will contribute to economic transformation, job creation, and deeper regional integration.
