Eswatini Beverages Limited has appealed to the government to revise levies imposed on beer as they hinder their growth prospects, particularly their export potential.
The appeal was made by the company’s Country Director, Doreen Tumureebire during the maiden business-to-government engagement hosted by Business Eswatini at Emafini Lodge recently.
The purpose of the engagement was for the private sector and government to deliberate on how they can partner and ensure the growth of the country’s economy.
Topics discussed encompassed food security, renewable energy initiatives, opportunities in the mining sector, and ways of attracting investors, such as the possibility of reducing taxes for businesses and assisting small businesses, and reliance on SACU receipts, among a plethora of pertinent issues affecting the country.
The Country Director divulged during the engagement that as it stands they have exported around 5000 litres of Carling Black Label beer to South Africa. She noted that as it stands they only export Carling Black Label as it is the biggest beer beverage in South Africa.
“Our mission this year is to export 28 million litres of beer to South Africa which translates to around E30 million in value. We unfortunately have to pay around E20 million in tax from the E30 million I mentioned. The reason we need the levy reduced is because countries like Mozambique who are our competitors do not pay these levies. This means they can produce and export more to South Africa.”
In terms of their general business aspirations going forward the Country Director noted that they aim to increase their volume and revenue, as well as digitize most of their business operations.
“We are looking at digitizing and monetizing most of our processes, we have already struck partnerships with key players in the Fintech space, such as MTN Fintech and Standard Bank Eswatini. We do have a lot of other innovative and exciting services and products that we will be rolling out,” she noted.
Tumureebireconcluded by reiterating their aim of ensuring that they play their role in reducing unemployment in the country. She said they continue to work with Universities to offer graduate Trainee and apprenticeship programs and opportunities.