South Africa is expected to host the 9th Summit of the Southern African Customs Union this week in Cape Town.

The summit will bring together the heads of state and governments and representatives of the five SACU member states on Friday.

In a media statement, SACU says the summit will deliberate on key issues affecting regional economic integration, industrial development, and trade cooperation. 

As the world's oldest customs union, the body continues to play a critical role in promoting regional integration, facilitating trade, supporting industrial development and strengthening economic cooperation among its members.

"I'm happy to confirm that all the heads of states have confirmed their participation in this meeting. The ninth summit of SA will receive an update from the Council of Ministers on the midterm review and implementation of the SACU Strategic Plan.  It will also do a reflection on the emerging global developments and their impact on the SACU economies. They will also consider a report on an initiative that was put in place to reimagine the SACU arrangements, to take care of the dynamism inherent in the environment within which we operate."

The summit provides strategic and political direction to the union and oversee the implementation of its programmes and priorities.

It is preceded by a series of technical, administrative and ministerial meetings, which started on the 18 June and ends Wednesday.

The meeting will consider progress made in implementing SACU programmes and priorities and prepare recommendations for consideration by heads of state or governments.