By Ayanda Dlamini
Eswatini’s effort to create a smooth, secure, and globally competitive trade environment gained renewed momentum today (Thursday) as the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) officially accredited seven new companies under the prestigious Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Program.
The ceremony, attended by industry leaders, senior government officials, border agencies, and the private sector, marked an important milestone in the country’s trade facilitation reforms.
With the latest cohort, Eswatini’s AEO community now includes 20 accredited companies, a significant milestone that reflects a growing culture of trust, compliance, and partnership between the government and businesses.
The newly accredited companies are:
CONCO Limited, Seylan Freight (Pty) Ltd, DHL (Pty) Ltd, Eswatini Post and Telecommunications Corporation, Grindrod, Southern Star Logistics, and Lactalis Eswatini (Pty) Ltd.
Their inclusion broadens the programme’s industry footprint to logistics, telecommunications, manufacturing, freight, and agro-processing, demonstrating the spirit of collaboration driving Eswatini’s modernised trade ecosystem.
AEO Is a Diplomatic Passport for Compliant Businesses- Minister
In a virtual speech, Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg praised the AEO Programme as a tool that rewards responsible businesses with tangible, measurable benefits.
He explained the core of AEO simply: “When businesses invest in strong systems to ensure compliance, solid internal controls, and secure supply chains, the government must respond with trust, facilitation, and efficiency. The AEO Program is the practical expression of that Customs-to-Business partnership.”
Highlighting the newly accredited cohort, he congratulated them for meeting the rigorous compliance standards.
“By taking the initiative to meet the requirements of the Programme, you have indicated that compliance, security, and transparency are not just checkbox exercises but vital strategic priorities in your operations. You are setting the standard for how trade should function in Eswatini.”
The Minister highlighted several practical benefits that the newly accredited AEOs will receive, including faster clearance via express lanes, fewer and prioritized inspections, and support from a dedicated ERS Relationship Manager.
He added that the programme also increases predictability and reliability in border operations, allowing businesses to trade more confidently and efficiently.
Rijkenberg reminded businesses that AEO status is now a recognised symbol of quality across global supply chains. “AEO accreditation is increasingly recognised as a mark of reliability. It signals to international partners that your systems are sound, and your goods can be trusted. In a competitive region, that reputation matters.”