By Sizwe Dlamini
The country’s Prime Minister, Russell Mmiso Dlamini says the implementation of the Single Government Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) will be a game changer for the country.
This initiative tasked to the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC), is expected to streamline cross-border trade and enhance the efficiency of goods transportation.
Speaking at the International Customs Day 2025 commemoration, held at the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) headquarters on Friday evening, the PM emphasized the critical role of modernized customs operations in driving economic growth, securing local trade processes, and fostering national prosperity.
The event, themed “Customs Delivering on Its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity,” brought together key stakeholders, including Finance Minister, Neal Rijkenberg, the Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, the Minister of Agriculture Minister, Mandla Tshawuka, the Minister of Home Affairs, Her Royal Highness Princess Lindiwe, ERS Commissioner General, Brightwell Nkambule, representatives from the European Union, the British High Commission, members of the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC), the private sector and other esteemed stakeholders.
Business Eswatini Chief Executive Officer and also the Chairperson of the NTFC, E. Nathi Dlamini, who was a panellist during the commemoration revealed that the Single Government AEO Program was set to be launched in April 2025, but will now be launched before the end of the year.
The AEO is a program established under the World Customs Organization’s (WCO) Safe Framework of Standards and is an initiative designed to ensure secure and efficient international trade. The program certifies businesses that meet security and compliance criteria.
The Single Government AEO Program, on the other hand, is a certification process that consolidates multiple government agencies to ensure that a company meets the requirements of other authorities.
“The successful implementation of the Single Government AEO Program will change the whole economic landscape of this country. The Kingdom loses a lot of money at the border which is money that could increase our Customs revenue. Goods also get spoilt in certain cases because of these inefficiencies,” The NTFC Chairperson stated.
The PM when delivering his keynote address highlighted the importance of cross-border trade in Eswatini’s aspiration to achieve first-world status by 2030.
“The role of simplified border processes in transforming our economy cannot be overstated. As a nation, our collective aspiration is to drive economic growth, secure local trade processes, and ensure prosperity for all.”
“The NTFC’s initiatives that include the Single Window System and Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) program demonstrate the tangible commitment to support the trading community. The recent focus on the Single Government AEO and the SACU Regional AEO shall see the realization of the vision to deliver a virtual border post where trusted traders can seamlessly move legitimate goods in and out of the country.”
The PM concluded his remarks by assigning the NTFC to ensure that they operationalize the Single Government AEO Program before the end of this year.
Benefits of the Single Government AEO Program
- Streamlined compliance: Businesses only need to go through one application and verification process to meet the standards of multiple government agencies, saving time and effort.
- Faster customs clearance: Priority treatment at customs, leading to quicker release of goods and reduced delays at borders.
- Reduced inspections: Lower likelihood of physical and document-based checks due to a reputation for high compliance.
- Improved predictability: Consistent treatment across different government departments, allowing better planning and supply chain management.
- Cost savings: Lower administrative costs associated with customs clearance and compliance.
- Enhanced market access: Recognized as a reliable trader by international partners, potentially opening up new market opportunities.
- Better relationships with customs authorities: A strong working relationship with customs due to consistent compliance and proactive communication.
- Mutual recognition agreements: Ability to leverage benefits of AEO status in other countries that have similar programs.
Additional Information was sourced from the World Customs Organization website.