BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MAVUSO TRADE CENTRE – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has delivered a stirring call for Eswatini’s exporters to lead the charge in transforming the Kingdom into a developed nation, positioning exports as the heartbeat of economic growth and prosperity.
Speaking at the Annual Eswatini National Export Excellence Awards (ENEXA), held alongside the 57th Eswatini International Trade Fair, the Premier described exporters as “the country’s GDP envoys” and praised them for breaking boundaries both locally and globally.
Exports at the Heart of National Transformation
Dlamini reminded the nation that exports are central to the government’s Grand Plan for National Transformation, which aims to elevate Eswatini into an upper middle-income country by 2028. “Exporting does not only earn us foreign exchange; it creates jobs, drives business expansion, and positions Eswatini as a player in regional and overseas markets,” he said.
With the ambitious target of growing exports beyond E50 billion by 2030, the PM emphasized that a landlocked country like Eswatini cannot afford to ignore external markets. Instead, he noted, exports provide the pathway to sustainable development and inclusive growth.
Market Diversification and New Opportunities
Acknowledging global trade uncertainties, Dlamini urged businesses to diversify their markets, products, and strategies. He highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a “game-changer” and encouraged exporters to seize opportunities across Africa.
Looking further afield, he said Eswatini must “look eastward to new markets in Asia, including Japan and Taiwan, to reduce overreliance on any single partner”.
Celebrating Excellence and Inspiring Future Exporters
The PM congratulated this year’s award winners for their resilience and innovation, encouraging them not only to scale new heights but also to mentor emerging SMEs in the export sector.
“To those who did not win this year, take heart, sharpen your strategies, and return stronger next year,” he said, assuring all participants that their contributions to positioning Eswatini internationally are deeply valued by His Majesty’s Government.
He also extended special gratitude to the judges, organisers, and development partners such as the International Trade Centre (ITC) and Taiwan’s TAITRA for their steadfast support in advancing the export agenda.
A Nation Rising
The ENEXA ceremony, taking place just days before His Majesty King Mswati III graces the closing of the 57th Trade Fair, stands as a vivid reminder of the central role exports play in Eswatini’s future.
With vision, resilience, and collective effort, Dlamini declared, Eswatini’s exporters are not only shaping the economy of today but also carving the path toward a prosperous and globally competitive nation of tomorrow.
