By Inside Biz
The European Union (EU), International Trade Centre (ITC), Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA), and Business Eswatini (BE) joined forces to host the EU-Southern African Development Community Economic Partnership Agreement (EU-SADC EPA) workshop.
This initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of Eswatini’s businesses, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to tap into trade opportunities and expand their reach within the EU market.
The EU-SADC EPA workshop took place at the Happy Valley Hotel in Ezulwini, part of an EU-supported programme to help the Eswatini government reach its development goals.
The programme includes three interconnected projects: “Support for Job Creation and the Investment Climate (JC & IC),” “Support for the Implementation of the EU-SADC EPA,” and the “Eswatini Livestock Value Chain Development Programme (ELVCDP).”
EIPA Chief Executive Officer Sibani Mngometulu highlighted the potential of the EPA for Eswatini’s businesses.
“The EU-EPA is not just a trade agreement; it is a gateway to opportunity. Our businesses can access EU markets, driving growth and expanding the economic landscape for Eswatini. This workshop provides invaluable insights to help businesses navigate international markets and innovate,” he said.
EU Ambassador-designate Karsten Mecklenburg underscored the EU’s commitment to free trade and cooperation with Eswatini.
“The EU-SADC EPA grants Eswatini’s products duty-free and quota-free access to the EU—a vast market for growth and diversification. Today’s workshop is a critical first step towards realizing this potential,” Ambassador Mecklenburg said.
He added that the EU’s “Skills for Youth Employability, Entrepreneurship, and Empowerment” programme would play a key role in equipping Eswatini’s youth with skills tailored to labour market demands, fostering sustainable economic growth.
Under Secretary for the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Trade, Cebile Nhlabatsi, expressed gratitude for the EU’s consistent support in enhancing Eswatini’s economic landscape.
“Market access through the EU-SADC EPA is crucial for our growth, offering our businesses, particularly MSMEs, a platform to maximize trade potential,” Nhlabatsi remarked.
She acknowledged that the EPA will drive local economic development by creating employment and empowering rural communities, whose livelihoods are linked to value chains supported by EU initiatives.
The workshop brought together over 60 participants from local businesses, government agencies, business support organizations, and international bodies. Key sessions covered topics such as:
- Opportunities for Eswatini Businesses: The workshop highlighted the untapped potential within the EU market for Eswatini’s export sectors, including agriculture, textiles, and crafts. Leading companies in Eswatini were represented.
- Trade and Sustainability: The EU’s Green Deal was a focal point, addressing regulations like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (CS3D), and EU deforestation regulations. These policies offer pathways for businesses to meet sustainability standards and expand EU market access.
- Private Sector Support and Local Resources: BE and EIPA detailed the support mechanisms available to Eswatini’s private sector, emphasizing frameworks that assist businesses in meeting EU standards and understanding rules of origin—a vital component for accessing preferential trade agreements.
The workshop formed part of ongoing activities designed to help the country fully leverage the EU-SADC EPA. By building awareness and capacity, these efforts aim to strengthen Eswatini’s economic resilience, stimulate job creation, and ensure inclusive growth across communities.