Tourism

MBABANE - Eswatini has taken another decisive step towards transforming its trade landscape and cementing its position as a regional leader in cross-border facilitation.

Following a transformative two-week Coordinated Border Management (CBM) workshop facilitated by the World Customs Organisation (WCO), the country has successfully united all border agencies under one national vision - to achieve seamless, 24-hour ‘No-Stop’ borders.

The workshop, which concluded last Friday, brought together every government entity involved in border operations - from the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) and the Ministry of Agriculture, to the Royal Eswatini Police Service, national intelligence bodies and National Agricultural Marketing Board (NAMBoard) - all working collaboratively under the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC).

For the first time, the long-envisioned concept of one border stop transitioned from aspiration to implementation. The workshop fostered unprecedented inter-agency cooperation, signalling a profound cultural shift in the nation’s approach to trade efficiency.

“This level of all-inclusive commitment marks a pivotal moment for Eswatini’s trade landscape,” said a source within the NTFC leadership. “To see intelligence officers, police and agricultural inspectors sitting side-by-side with customs officials, all dedicated to designing a streamlined process, is a game-changer. It emboldens our belief that a seamless border is within reach.”

ERS Commissioner General Brightwell Nkambule set an ambitious tone, urging stakeholders to aim beyond traditional efficiency goals.

“Our ultimate goal must be a ‘no-stop border,’” he declared. “This is where trusted, compliant traders, who are part of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, experience a border crossing without the need to stop. This is the zenith of trade facilitation - and it is achievable if we sustain this collaborative spirit and businesses take advantage of the AEO facility.”

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Plans to extend Lavumisa’s operating hours

MBABANE - Following discussions during the sessions, serious consultations have begun to extend operating hours at the Lavumisa Border Gate.

An initial target of midnight operations has been proposed, with a clear and agreed roadmap toward full 24-hour functionality - a move expected to yield immediate benefits for sectors heavily reliant on just-in-time logistics, such as agriculture and transport.

“This is a major achievement for our traders in the agriculture and transport sectors, for whom time is perishable and delays are costly,” said an NTFC.

“Having a seat at the table where these critical decisions are being made ensures that the voice of business leads to outcomes that will boost our nation’s competitiveness.”

*Full article available in our publication.

Senior Manager Trade Facilitation, Namibia Revenue Authority Victoria Weyulu facilitating as the World Customs Organisation expert. (Pics: Courtesy)

Eswatini Revenue Service Customs Border Operations Manager Sifiso Shabangu.