Eswatini is set to introduce mandatory product certification as part of sweeping reforms to safeguard consumers and prepare businesses for trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the entire world.
This was revealed during a panel discussion at the Standards Seminar, held at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre on Wednesday. The Executive Director of the Eswatini Standards Authority (SWASA), Ncamiso Mhlanga, revealed that Parliament is expected to amend legislation in the coming months, paving the way for uncertified goods to be barred from the domestic market.
“You will begin to see changes,” Mhlanga said. “Products that are not certified will no longer be permitted in Eswatini’s markets.”
The move comes amid growing health concerns linked to unregulated goods, including a rise in lifestyle diseases and unsafe consumer products. Mhlanga warned that the lack of oversight in product safety, particularly in food and cosmetics, poses risks to public health.
“We cannot continue to consume products when we do not know their source or safety. Certification ensures that what reaches the market is reliable, traceable, and safe for the people of Eswatini,” he emphasized.
To ease the transition, the Executive Director encouraged businesses to at least utilize the Ingelo Certification Scheme, a flagship programme designed to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) meet local standards before moving towards international certification.
Derived from the Siswati word for a carving tool, Ingelo is aimed at “carving out” a path for SMEs, many of which operate informally from backyards and small workshops. Under the initiative, businesses receive free training and support to improve quality, adopt good practices, and prepare for certification.
“Ingelo is a stepping stone. It helps SMEs build a culture of quality and compliance locally. When they are ready to export, they will graduate to mainstream certification, which we also provide,” explained Mhlanga.
Eswatini’s certification drive is not only a domestic policy but also a strategic move to align with continental trade standards. Under AfCFTA, countries are required to harmonize quality benchmarks to allow products to move freely across borders.
“Conformity is going to be crucial for our traders. Standards, measurements, and certification will determine whether Eswatini products find space in markets like Egypt or Tunisia. Without certification, our SMEs risk being locked out,” Mhlanga warned.