The Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and India officially signed the Terms of Reference (ToRs) to guide upcoming negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) on 12 August.
The signing ceremony, held in New Delhi, marks a pivotal milestone in strengthening trade and investment relations between India and the five-nation African bloc. SACU—comprising Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa—represents one of Africa’s oldest and most established customs unions.
According to a statement, the ToRs provide a structured basis for the PTA negotiations, setting out the parameters within which the Parties will engage as they pursue a balanced, mutually beneficial and development-oriented agreement. The Terms of Reference will guide discussions aimed at enhancing trade, promoting investment and strengthening economic cooperation between SACU and India.
SACU welcomed this important achievement, which encapsulates the progress made through
constructive engagement between the Parties and demonstrates their shared ambition to expand economic opportunities and foster sustainable growth.
“SACU looks forward to working closely with India in advancing the negotiations towards a meaningful and mutually beneficial outcome that supports the development objectives of both Parties,” the statement added.
The ToRs were signed, on behalf of SACU, by the Executive Director of the Ministry of International Relations and Trade of Namibia and Coordinator of SACU-India Matters, Ms. Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati, while the Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce of India, Mr. Shri Yashvir Singh, signed on behalf of India.
