Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane Leads Lesotho Delegation at the 9th SACU Summit in Cape Town

The Right Honourable Prime Minister Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane has arrived in Cape Town, South Africa, to lead Lesotho’s delegation at the 9th Southern African Customs Union Summit. The high level meeting takes place from 24 to 25 June 2026 and brings together heads of state and government from across the region. The summit represents one of the most important decision making platforms for SACU member states. It sets strategic direction and oversees the implementation of key programmes and priorities. Lesotho’s participation reflects its continued commitment to regional integration and economic cooperation.

The 9th SACU Summit follows a series of preparatory meetings that began on 18 June and ran through to 24 June 2026. These meetings included technical discussions, administrative consultations and ministerial engagements aimed at aligning regional priorities. Officials worked on policy frameworks that support trade, customs coordination and economic development across member states. The outcomes of these sessions are expected to inform decisions taken at the heads of state level. This structured process ensures that leadership discussions are grounded in technical and policy based recommendations.

The Prime Minister is leading a senior delegation representing Lesotho’s key economic and diplomatic sectors. The team includes the Minister of Finance and Development Planning Dr. Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane, who plays a central role in shaping the country’s fiscal and development strategy. Also part of the delegation is the Minister of Trade and Industry Motlatsi Maqelepo, who is responsible for advancing trade policy and industrial development. The delegation also includes Lesotho’s High Commissioner to South Africa Mr. Ntsime Jafeta and other senior government officials. Their combined presence reflects a coordinated approach to regional economic engagement.

The Southern African Customs Union serves as a critical platform for economic cooperation among member states. The organisation focuses on customs integration, trade facilitation and shared economic policies that support regional growth. The summit is the highest decision making body within SACU and provides political and strategic direction. It also monitors the implementation of agreed programmes and ensures that member states align with collective objectives. For Lesotho, participation in SACU remains essential for strengthening trade links and expanding economic opportunities.

Discussions at the summit are expected to focus on improving regional trade systems and addressing economic challenges facing member countries. Leaders are likely to review progress on customs revenue sharing arrangements and explore ways to enhance industrial development. There is also a strong focus on improving infrastructure that supports cross border trade. These priorities are aimed at increasing competitiveness and boosting economic resilience across the region. Member states are expected to emphasize cooperation as a key driver of long term growth.

Lesotho’s participation in the summit also highlights its commitment to regional diplomacy and economic transformation. The government continues to prioritize policies that support trade expansion and private sector development. Engagement within SACU provides opportunities to align national development goals with regional strategies. It also allows Lesotho to contribute to shaping policies that affect economic integration in Southern Africa. This engagement strengthens the country’s position within the regional economic community.

The presence of senior officials in the delegation ensures that Lesotho’s interests are fully represented in both technical and political discussions. The coordination between finance, trade and diplomatic sectors reflects a unified national approach. This structure allows the country to respond effectively to complex regional economic issues. It also supports the implementation of decisions made at the summit level. Such coordination is important for ensuring that agreements translate into practical outcomes.

As the 9th SACU Summit progresses in Cape Town, expectations remain high for outcomes that will strengthen regional cooperation and economic growth. The decisions made during the meeting are likely to influence trade policies and development strategies across member states. Lesotho’s leadership role in the discussions underscores its active participation in shaping the future of regional integration. The summit provides an important platform for advancing shared goals and addressing common challenges. It reinforces the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable economic progress in Southern Africa.