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Abstract
Infusion of technologies such as Geographical Information Systems into organizations has in most cases been associated with the concept of championing. Geographical Information Systems when developed across countries and/or regions, are integrable to create Spatial Data Infrastructure. In the Southern African Customs Union region, the concept of Spatial Data Infrastructures at national level have been acknowledged and/or kick-started. The efforts by these countries in development of National Spatial Data Infrastructures are evaluated with the aim of advancing a Southern African Customs Union Regional Spatial Data Infrastructure. This region has been incepted as collaborative trade block of the member countries. In the context of geospatial information, it is advanced that the region has discoverable opportunities and organizational platform for Spatial Data Infrastructure. A consideration is made that spatial data is capable of strengthening operational, tactical and strategic endeavors of Southern African Customs Union by providing evidence-based support to decisions and policy making. The objective being interrogated in this paper, is the discoverability of geospatial data and information systems in Southern African Customs Union that can be integrated with its trade data and championed into Regional Spatial Data Infrastructure. Mixed method of both quantitative and qualitative was used. In qualitative form, documents, questionnaires, interviews and workshop attendance have been utilized to decipher the attitudes of various stakeholders within Southern African Customs Union towards a Regional Spatial Data Infrastructure Concept. In a quantitative form, discoverable data has been found then further processed in line with the goal and objectives stated above. Results obtained have enabled an elementary geodatabase proposition and maps of the region with a number of macroeconomic indicators. Furthermore, a discussion has been done to advance a preliminary determination of sponsor and champion of Southern African Customs Union Regional Spatial Data Infrastructure.