By Mbono Mdluli
MBABANE – Eswatini Sugar will now be able to sell sugar in Angola.
This was said by Eswatini Sugar Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Banele Nyamane on July 3, 2025 at Hilton Garden Inn, Mbabane.
This was during the press briefing, where the organisation was informing its stakeholders about its performance.
The penetration of the Angolan markets has been seen as a good improvement, as Eswatini Sugar had not been selling there.
Nyamane also mentioned that they would continue to export sugar to the United States of America (USA), despite the ongoing issue of sanctions. The CEO did mention that the issue of sanctions is a challenge.
However, he did mention that the time for making excuses about this issue should come to an end, as the excuses would not make anything better. He stated that a way of working around those challenges should be found because the people who initiated the sanctions also had their reasons.
Another challenge highlighted by Nyamane was that of products from Eswatini being challenged in countries such as South Africa, jeopardising the efforts of Eswatini Sugar to sell products into the SACU markets. Nyamane said the South African sugar producers were encouraging consumers in that country to buy local sugar to support local farmers.
He said despite these challenges, Eswatini Sugar would continue to sell within the SACU markets. Nyamane argued that Eswatini was part of SACU and, therefore, deserved to sell into the markets.
The Eswatini Sugar CEO also highlighted that the organisation went through a re-branding phase, where the organisation changed from Eswatini Sugar Association to Eswatini Sugar.
ESWATINI SUGAR EXPANDS, HITS E7.7 BILLION RECORD
By Mbono Mdluli
MBABANE – The Eswatini Sugar Industry is celebrating a remarkable milestone, having generated an astounding E7.7 billion in revenue, marking one of the most impressive seasons in recent years.
This was announced by Eswatini Sugar CEO Banele Nyamane during a vibrant stakeholder briefing held at Hilton Garden Inn, Mbabane, on July 3, 2025.
The lion’s share of this revenue, Nyamane proudly revealed, went directly to the growers, underscoring the critical role that farmers play in the national economy.
“This figure is not just a financial statement; it is a testament to the resilience, dedication, and contribution of our sugarcane farmers across the kingdom,” he said.
Farmers Reap Big Rewards
The E7.7 billion revenue does not just reflect business growth, it highlights agricultural empowerment. Growers received the majority of the proceeds, signaling a win for rural livelihoods and reinforcing agriculture as a pillar of Eswatini’s economy. “Our farmers are not just suppliers; they are key partners in building a sustainable and competitive sugar sector,” Nyamane noted.
New Markets, New Momentum
In addition to the record earnings, Nyamane revealed a groundbreaking expansion into Angolan markets, where Eswatini Sugar will now begin selling its products. “Penetrating the Angolan market is a big step forward,” he said, pointing out that this marks a significant increase in regional trade opportunities for the country.
Eswatini Sugar is also maintaining exports to the United States, navigating the challenges posed by ongoing sanctions. “We need to stop making excuses,” Nyamane emphasized, urging a shift from blame to solutions. “The people who imposed these sanctions had their reasons, but we must focus on progress.”
Facing Challenges with Confidence
Despite impressive growth, the industry faces stiff headwinds, particularly from protectionist practices in the South African market, where local producers are encouraging consumers to shun imports. Nyamane, however, remained firm: “Eswatini is part of SACU and deserves full market access.”
To reinforce its vision and strengthen its identity, the organization has also undergone a rebranding, transitioning from the Eswatini Sugar Association to simply Eswatini Sugar.
Sweet Future Ahead
With billions flowing into the sector, farmers thriving, and new markets emerging, Eswatini Sugar’s success story continues to inspire. The E7.7 billion boom is not just a number, it’s a reflection of national resilience, strategic leadership, and the power of unity across stakeholders.
“Eswatini Sugar is not only growing profits,” Nyamane concluded, “it’s growing people, communities, and our country.”
