By Phiwa Sikhondze
The Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) will join the global community in commemorating International Customs Day 2025 with a celebration on Friday, 24 January 2025, at the ERS Headquarters in Ezulwini, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
This year’s event, celebrated under the global theme, “Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity,” will bring together key stakeholders to underscore the role of Customs in driving sustainable economic development.
According to a Media Statement issued by ERS’ Director of Communications & Marketing, Ntobeko Dlamini, the celebration aims to highlight the transformative role of Customs in driving sustainable development and enhancing trade facilitation.
The programme will feature thought-provoking discussions, impactful speeches, and meaningful recognitions:
- Panel Discussion: “ERS Customs Solutions Driving Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity in Trade” moderated by ERS Commissioner General, Brightwell Nkambule, and featuring:
- Precious Chauya, Acting Commissioner for Customs & Excise
- E. Nathi Dlamini, Business Eswatini CEO
- Lungile Dlamini, Director of Trade, Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Trade
- Treasure Maphanga, AeTrade Group Chief Operating Officer
Dlamini noted that the panel will highlight key updates on the Customs digitalization programme, provide insights into the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme, and explore opportunities for leveraging the AfCFTA markets to boost Eswatini’s trade competitiveness.
The Director further stated that the event will also feature the presentation of WCO Recognition Certificates by the ERS Commissioner General, acknowledging exceptional contributions to Customs and trade efficiency.
“The Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, will highlight opportunities in the various trading blocks that local businesses and entrepreneurs have access to, while the Minister of Finance, Neal Rijkenberg, shall highlight the role of Customs in enhancing Revenue Mobilization and Economic Resilience. Additionally, the Prime Minister, Russell Mmiso Dlamini, will deliver the keynote address, emphasizing the alignment of the Customs Day’s theme to the government’s programme of Action 2024/2025 to 2028/2029,” notes the media statement.
The event will be live-streamed on the ERS Facebook and YouTube pages at 6 pm for wider audience engagement.