MBABANE – Eswatini aims to increase exports to the EU by at least 5 per cent annually, diversify its export basket and penetrate at least 10 new international markets by 2030.
The country has received a major boost in its export and trade ambitions after the EU and the International Trade Centre ITC extended support for EU-SADC EPA implementation through 2030.
The renewed support follows the successful development of the European Union–Southern African Development Community Economic Partnership Agreement (EU-SADC EPA).
EU-SADC EPA Implementation Strategy and Action Plan 2025–2030 was crafted through a consultative process involving government, the private sector, development partners and other stakeholders.
This new blueprint is expected to guide Eswatini’s international trade integration and export expansion over the next five years.
The new implementation strategy builds on the gains and lessons learnt from the 2019–2023 programme, which strengthened Eswatini’s initial transition into the EPA framework. Under the revised plan, priority is placed on:
Strengthening policy and regulatory frameworks
- Enhancing export development and business support services
- Improving standards, certification and quality compliance
- Investing in market intelligence, research and export readiness
- Expanding private sector competitiveness, especially among MSMEs
- Through these targeted interventions, Eswatini will be able to reach its targets of increasing exports to the EU by at least 5 per cent annually.
The EU-SADC EPA is a comprehensive trade partnership that grants Eswatini duty-free, quota-free access to the European Union - one of the largest and most lucrative consumer markets globally.
The agreement also supports regional integration within SADC, encourages value addition and promotes sustainable economic development.
Since Eswatini became a signatory to the EPA, several local industries - including sugar, textiles, processed foods, honey and essential oils - have benefitted from predictable market access and improved export conditions.
The agreement also facilitates cooperation on customs, trade facilitation and technical standards.
The renewed EU-ITC support is expected to deepen these gains, particularly by improving the country’s ability to comply with strict EU quality and safety standards, a critical requirement for sustained access to the European market.
The European Union Ambassador to Eswatini, Karsten Mecklenburg, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Eswatini’s export growth and economic diversification.
“The EU-SADC EPA is not just a trade agreement, but a platform for growth, investment, and sustainable development,” he said. “This updated strategy offers Eswatini a clear roadmap to increase exports to the EU, diversify products and ensure that MSMEs benefit fully from regional and global value chains.
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…call to action for private sector
MBABANE - Under Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Cebile Nhlabatsi, described the 2025–2030 strategy as ‘a call to action’ for both public and private sector actors.
“It aligns with our policies, it will help strengthen institutions and build the capacity of our private sector so that Eswatini can fully utilise the opportunities of the EPA,” she said. “With a focus on MSMEs, standards compliance, and export readiness, we are confident this plan will contribute to job creation, economic diversification and sustainable growth.”
Nhlabatsi emphasised that compliance with quality standards, investment in export development, and collaboration between government and the private sector will be essential for leveraging the full benefits of the EPA.
Support sustainable development and inclusive economic growth.
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Acting Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade Cebile Nhlabatsi (L) and EU Ambassador to Eswatini Karsten Mecklenburg. (File pic)