BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
EZULWINI – Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Senator Pholile Shakantu has called for stronger diplomatic engagement to help African countries resolve cross-border challenges affecting the movement of quality seed.
Speaking during the third day of the Africa Seed Summit at the Ezulwini Palazzo ICC on Wednesday, Shakantu said diplomacy should complement the technical work of agricultural authorities by addressing issues that arise between countries and turning political commitments into practical cooperation.
“Our diplomatic engagements should therefore complement the technical work of agricultural authorities by helping countries resolve issues that arise between them,” she said.
Shakantu said seed should no longer be viewed solely as an agricultural matter, arguing that once it moves beyond the farm gate, it becomes linked to trade, regulation, technology, investment and international relations.
She said a seed developed by a scientist in one country could be multiplied in another, certified in a third and eventually planted by a farmer across a national border.
“It is therefore important that as Africa we continue to apply ourselves to ensure that we have a sustainable seed economy,” Shakantu said.
She said the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presented an opportunity to strengthen the movement of goods, services, knowledge and investment across African borders, but warned that this would require practical cooperation among institutions responsible for agriculture, trade, standards, customs and foreign affairs.
Shakantu challenged countries to examine whether their national procedures make it easier or harder for quality seed to move between African markets.
“Where differences in procedures exist, our responsibility should be to find ways to bring them together,” she said.
She further said Eswatini would continue supporting cooperation through the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union, while urging diplomatic missions to help connect research institutions, businesses, investors and development partners.
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