By Ntokozo Nkambule
The Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) says there is a huge opportunity for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the country.
The Authority notes that there are a number of products in the country which are imported, yet can be produced locally by SMEs.
Speaking during the Vusumnotfo Expo 2023, EIPA Executive Head of Trade Bongani Ntshangase who spoke on behalf of the EIPA CEO dished out a few opportunities where emaSwati can play in.
“In 2022 the country imported E575 million worth of white and yellow maize. This statistic simply means that emaSwati generally have a portion to contribute and benefit financially. As a country we are certainly capable of producing these items, we have support systems such as government subsidies and other infrastructure processes that are put in place.”
He also disclosed that the country imported E342 million worth of meat and also E254 million worth of fertilizer.
“Interestingly we also imported around E230 million worth of alcoholic beverages and E220 million worth of bottled water. These are just some of the opportunities that are available for emaSwati.”
In terms of exports, Ntshangase advised emaSwati to consider exporting to neigbhouring South Africa as they tend to import a lot as well, especially from countries in the Southern African Development Community region (SADC).
“In 2022, South Africa imported about E1.8 billion worth of live animals from Botswana, while from Eswatini they only imported E20 million yet they needed more. South Africa also imported E123 million worth of live animals from Lesotho and E3 billion worth from Namibia. This is an indication that the market is there,” he noted.
Furthermore, the CEO Representative disclosed that Eswati exported only E200 million worth of vegetables to South Africa. Lesotho on the other hand exported E342 million worth of vegetables to South Africa.
He concluded by stating that South Africa is a big market and the SADC region does not even feature in the top five markets import for South Africa.