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Member states of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) are currently engaged in discussions on industrial policy and the need to develop regional value chains. Officials have been tasked to identify projects that could anchor cross-border trade and investment within SACU. If a SACU development fund were to be established, it could finance such projects.
This policy briefing summarises the results of four case studies in Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland (BLNS). It describes the experiences of eight small firms in operating across SACU borders, and identifies opportunities for growing or diversifying their businesses within SACU. It also highlights a number of areas in which SACU member states could work together to improve the environment for cross-border trade and deepen regional integration.
Author: Yash Ramkolowan