MBABANE – Importers of sugar beans will soon be required to buy at least 25 per cent of their stock from local farmers before they can be granted permits to import the commodity.
This follows a decision by the National Agricultural Marketing Board (NAMBoard) to introduce a local sourcing requirement after lifting the temporary ban on sugar bean imports.
The new measure, which takes effect on June 18, 2026, requires importers to provide proof that they have already sourced at least 25 per cent of their intended import quantities from local producers before an import permit can be issued.
NAMBoard said the decision was made under the National Agricultural Marketing Board Act of 1985 following an assessment which found that available bean stocks currently meet local demand.
The move comes amid ongoing efforts to strike a balance between protecting local farmers and ensuring adequate supplies for consumers.
The issue of bean imports has dominated public and parliamentary debate in recent months following revelations that more than E9 million worth of locally produced beans were lying unsold in National Maize Corporation (NMC) storage facilities while retailers continued importing cheaper beans from South Africa.
The situation prompted Parliament to establish a Select Committee to investigate the matter.
In its report tabled recently, the committee recommended that Government develop a framework requiring importers and processors to source a minimum of 25 per cent of grain commodities locally before importing. The committee further recommended improved coordination between NAMBoard, the Ministry of Agriculture and NMC to strengthen market intelligence and policy implementation.
The latest NAMBoard directive appears to give effect to one of the key recommendations made by the committee.
NAMBoard stated that importation of sugar beans would now be subject to proof of local sourcing through the submission of evidence showing that at least a quarter of the intended import volume had already been purchased locally.
The board said the requirement would remain in force until local market demand exceeds local production levels.
It added that continuous monitoring of bean stocks would be undertaken and decisions reviewed according to prevailing market conditions.
The new arrangement represents a shift from the outright restrictions that were previously imposed on bean imports.
Those restrictions became controversial after concerns were raised by some traders and legislators over supply levels and consultation processes.
The parliamentary committee later found that while NAMBoard had acted within its legal mandate, some of the interventions were implemented without adequate stakeholder notification and timely market assessments.
Agricultural stakeholders have argued that stronger protection of local producers is necessary if Eswatini is to reduce dependence on imported food and achieve Government's grain sovereignty objectives.
NAMBoard said importers seeking clarification on the new requirements could contact its Head of Legal, Trade and Regulation, Bongani Mdluli.
Importers of sugar beans will soon be required to buy at least 25 per cent of their stock from local farmers before they can be granted permits to import the commodity.