Prime Minister Russell Dlamini has called on local exporters to diversify their markets and products as the kingdom strives to achieve its ambitious E50 billion export target by 2030.
Speaking at the Export Awards during the 57th Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) in Manzini, the PM described export diversification as central to the country’s long-term economic transformation.
He commended the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) and partners for organising the awards, noting that the trade fair showcases companies poised to scale into regional and global markets.
“Exporters are the country’s GDP envoys, and their risk-taking and innovation are central to the kingdom’s long-term transformation,” Dlamini said. “The exports push to the Grand Plan for National Transformation and shorter-term initiatives such as the Nkwe Programme of Action and the National Development Plan, which together place exports at the heart of an inclusive, private sector-driven growth agenda.”
The PM emphasized that for a landlocked country with a small domestic market, external markets are essential, not optional. “I am urging firms to diversify products and destinations to reduce overreliance on traditional partners,” he said. “The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a major opportunity for Eswatini to embed itself in continental value chains and access a combined market of over a billion consumers.”
Dlamini also encouraged businesses to explore opportunities in Asia, citing Japan and Taiwan as potential markets. “I encourage businesses to look eastward, including Japan and Taiwan, to broaden export horizons and build resilience against regional shocks,” he said.
He further urged established exporters to mentor SMEs, noting that supplier development and knowledge transfer are practical ways to expand the pool of export-ready firms.
Dlamini stressed that while the government will maintain diplomatic efforts to secure preferential access and stable market conditions, private-sector leadership, investment in quality improvements, adherence to standards, and modernised logistics are equally vital.
He thanked development partners, including the International Trade Centre (ITC) and Taiwan’s TAITRA, for their technical support and market access assistance. The Prime Minister added that His Majesty King Mswati III will grace the trade fair celebrations on 6 September, reinforcing the national priority of the export agenda.
“Achieving E50 billion by 2030 will require coordinated public–private action—market diversification, firm capability building, and sustained trade diplomacy—to turn ambition into measurable export growth,” he said.