By Phiwa Sikhondze
In an event that is set to redefine the economic landscape of Eswatini, His Excellency Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), made a historic visit to the Kingdom.
This visit signified a turning point for the nation, as it prepares to harness the vast opportunities presented by the AfCFTA. The occasion marked a significant milestone in Eswatini’s economic landscape: the engagement of the Private Sector with the AfCFTA Secretariat.
The Royal Villas in Ezulwini bore witness to this momentous occasion, where Dr. Tambo Gina, Acting Minister for Commerce, Industry, and Trade, warmly welcomed the Secretary-General and his delegation. The engagement was not just a formality but a strategic move to align Eswatini’s private sector with the goals of the AfCFTA.
Eswatini, a country with aspirations of economic renaissance, has taken proactive steps by launching the AfCFTA Implementation Strategy earlier in March 2024. This strategy is a blueprint for the country’s ambition to attract both domestic and foreign investment, boost industrialization, create employment, and ultimately lift its citizens out of poverty.
“This is an important milestone for the country as it indicated the importance attached to utilizing the Agreement as an instrument for increasing both domestic & foreign investment, industrialization, employment creation, sustainable development, and eventually lifting Emaswati out of poverty,” Gina stated.
The visit came at a crucial time when Eswatini has declared its readiness to start trading under the AfCFTA. The necessary legal frameworks, including the gazetting of the SACU tariff offer, have been put in place, paving the way for traders to engage in continental commerce.
The Secretary-General’s visit was more than a ceremonial gesture; it was a hands-on effort to provide Eswatini’s private sector with the knowledge and tools needed to capitalize on the trade agreement. The discussions focused on the practical aspects of the agreement, aiming to demystify the processes and highlight the potential benefits for local businesses.
Eswatini’s commitment to expanding its trade horizons is evident in its desire to move beyond its traditional markets. The country is eager to explore new frontiers within the African market, and the AfCFTA provides the perfect platform for this exploration.
“It is our wish as Eswatini to expand our trade with Africa beyond the traditional markets,” the Minister emphasized.
The Minister lauded the AfCFTA Secretariat’s Guided Trade Initiative, which seeks to facilitate meaningful trade.
“Eswatini welcomes the effort by the Secretariat to initiate commercially meaningful trade through the Guided Trade Initiative,” he said.
Several traders have already registered their interest in this initiative, and Gina encouraged more to follow suit.
“This work is not a one-day job but it requires continuous consultations with relevant partners including the AfCFTA Secretariat, especially in guiding this important work,” he added.
As the meeting unfolded, Gina emphasized the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders, including the government, private sector, and non-state actors. The National AFCFTA Implementation Strategy underscores the collective effort required to make the most of the trade agreement.