BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
EZULWINI– Trade between Eswatini and South Africa reached approximately R63.5 billion in 2025, reflecting a six percent year-on-year increase and underscoring the growing economic interdependence between the two neighbouring countries, South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu revealed on Friday.
Speaking during the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) Taxpayer and Client Appreciation Day at Happy Valley Hotel in Ezulwini, Makhubu said the value of trade demonstrates the strength of the long-standing relationship between the neighbouring states and highlights the need for even closer cooperation.
He said South Africa and Eswatini share far more than a 430-kilometre border.
According to Makhubu, the two countries are linked by history, families, languages, culture and an increasingly integrated economy whose future depends on continued collaboration.
“Our interconnectedness means that when Eswatini thrives, South Africa thrives,” he said.
He added that the prosperity of one country directly benefits the other, while many of the economic challenges facing both nations require joint solutions.
Makhubu said the R63.5 billion recorded in bilateral trade during 2025, representing a six percent increase from the previous year, illustrates the scale of economic activity taking place across the shared border.
He noted that goods, services, people, ideas and investment opportunities move continuously between the two countries, making efficient border management and revenue administration increasingly important.
The Commissioner said both SARS and ERS are united by a common objective of strengthening domestic resource mobilisation to enable governments to finance their own development priorities.
He explained that effective tax collection provides countries with the resources needed to build schools, hospitals, roads, ports, digital infrastructure and social protection systems without excessive dependence on external financing.
Makhubu said closer cooperation between the two revenue authorities is already producing measurable results.
He highlighted the exchange of transactional customs data between SARS and ERS through Customs Connectivity, introduced in 2018, describing it as a milestone in regional cooperation.
According to him, the initiative has improved visibility of trade flows, strengthened transparency and enhanced compliance while facilitating legitimate trade.
He said both administrations are also embracing modern technologies, including digital platforms, advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence, to improve taxpayer services and customs operations.
Makhubu further pointed to the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme as an example of successful collaboration between government and the private sector.
He said trusted traders who consistently comply with customs and tax requirements benefit from quicker border clearance, fewer inspections, shorter waiting times and reduced administrative costs.
The SARS Commissioner cited the pilot project at the Oshoek-Ngwenya border post, saying it demonstrated that trusted-trader facilitation can reduce processing times from hours to minutes.
He noted that smarter border management lowers trade costs, improves competitiveness, attracts investment and creates employment opportunities across the region.
Earlier on Friday, SARS, ERS and representatives from the business community met at the Oshoek-Ngwenya border to discuss further opportunities to improve trade facilitation and regional cooperation.
Makhubu said the engagement reinforced the importance of governments and businesses working together to build integrated customs systems and efficient border processes.
He concluded that the future of revenue administration and economic growth depends on strong partnerships between governments, revenue agencies, businesses and neighbouring countries.
Makhubu said by strengthening cooperation and building trust, Eswatini and South Africa can continue expanding trade, mobilising domestic resources and creating shared prosperity for the benefit of both nations.
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