BY PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
MANZINI – Eswatini’s export champions took the spotlight on Wednesday as the National Exporters Awards 2025 (ENEXA) lit up the FNB Business Chamber at the Mavuso Trade Centre during the ongoing Eswatini International Trade Fair.
Rhodes Food Group Eswatini scooped the Exporter of the Year Award, while the Royal Eswatini Sugar Corporation (RES Corporation) bagged two titles, including the sought-after High Impact & Innovation Award.
Other winners included Montigny Investments (Best Exporter to Africa), Eswatini Coffee (Best Emerging Exporter), Eswatini Foods (Woman Exporter of the Year), and Smiling Through Farming and Supplies (Youth Exporter of the Year), proving that both industry giants and rising trailblazers are shaping Eswatini’s export story.
Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, who joined the awards after touring exhibitor stands, congratulated the winners and declared government’s goal to grow exports by more than E50 billion while breaking into new markets, including Asia and Taiwan.
“Our exporters are the true drivers of the economy,” the PM said. “When they succeed, Eswatini succeeds. They are flying the country’s flag high in global markets and creating jobs, opportunities and hope here at home.”
Welcoming guests, EIPA Board Chairman Theo Hlophe hailed exporters for their resilience and innovation, while Commerce, Industry and Trade Minister Mancoba Khumalo applauded EIPA for hosting the awards, saying exporters remained “the backbone of the economy and engines of growth.”
The day-long celebration attracted ministers, business leaders, exhibitors, and diplomats. With cultural displays, live entertainment, and networking moments, the ceremony turned into both a recognition of excellence and a showcase of Eswatini’s economic ambition.
By the time winners raised their trophies, one message was clear: Eswatini is not just exporting goods, it is exporting resilience, creativity and world-class talent.
