The awards, organised by the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) in partnership with Business Eswatini (BE), the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS), the Youth Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (YCCIE), and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade (MCIT-ITD), were held at the FNB Business Chamber during the 57th Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF).
The event recognised top-performing exporters for their outstanding contributions to Eswatini’s economic growth and global trade presence.
Speaking at the ceremony, Thandeka Dlamini, Manager of External Trade Promotion at EIPA, highlighted the significance of exporters to the nation’s economy. “Our exporters are the backbone of Eswatini’s participation in the global economy. Today’s winners are evidence of what resilience, innovation, and strategic use of trade agreements can achieve. They are creating jobs locally while ensuring Eswatini products remain competitive and visible in global markets,” she said.
Rhodes Food Group Eswatini, a food processor based in Malkerns that exports products worldwide, won both Exporter of the Year and Best Exporter for Market Diversification. Other category winners included:
1.High Impact Exporter: Royal Eswatini Sugar Corporation
2.Best Exporter for Product Diversification: Lactalis Eswatini
3.Most Innovative and Versatile Exporter: Royal Eswatini Sugar Corporation
4.Best Emerging Exporter: Eswatini Coffee
5.Best Trade Agreement Utilisation Exporter Beyond Africa: Ngwenya Glass (Pty) Ltd
6.Best Exporter to Africa: Montigny Investments (Pty) Ltd
7.MSME Exporter of the Year: Ukwazi Makadamia (African Christian College)
8.Woman Exporter of the Year: Eswatini Foods
9.Youth Exporter of the Year: Smiling Through Farming and Supplies
10.Trade Finance Support of the Year: First National Bank (FNB) – Trade Finance
11.Trade Support Initiative of the Year: International Trade Centre & EU
Dlamini noted that the awards celebrate growth through competitive alliances and recognise achievements from April 2023 to March 2025. “These awards highlight how exporters are leveraging Eswatini’s preferential trade agreements, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union, and the Eswatini–Taiwan Economic Cooperation Agreement,” she said.
She added that the awards recognise both large-scale exporters and small, emerging businesses, reflecting EIPA’s commitment to fostering a strong export culture and positioning Eswatini as a competitive player in international trade.
Potential and current exporters are encouraged to access the EIPA 10-step Export Guide at https://investeswatini.org.sz/?r3d=export-guide-2025 to navigate the export market with ease.