BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
EZULWINI – Eswatini has expanded its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme with the accreditation of seven additional companies, bringing the total to twenty and marking a significant step toward faster, more predictable, and secure cross-border trade.
The ceremony, held at Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) headquarters, showcased strong collaboration between government, private sector leaders, and industry stakeholders committed to strengthening national competitiveness.
Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg, in a pre-recorded message, emphasized the core principle driving the reform.
“At the heart of the AEO concept is a simple idea,” he said. “When business invests in strong systems to ensure compliance… the Government must respond with trust, facilitation and efficiency.”
He applauded the newly accredited companies, among them CONCO Limited, DHL, Southern Star Logistics, and Lactalis Eswatini, noting that their achievement signals leadership in compliance and operational integrity.
“You have signalled that compliance, security and transparency are not tick-box exercises, but strategic priorities,” he said.
Rijkenberg also announced a major benefit for the public: the increase of the personal travel allowance from E1 000 to E10 000 for goods bought from VAT-registered suppliers.
“In simple terms, we are making it easier to do the right thing,” he added.
ERS: “A Diplomatic Passport for Trusted Traders”
ERS Commissioner General Brightwell Nkambule described the AEO framework as central to the organisation’s long-term strategy.
“The AEO Programme is firmly embedded in the ERS strategy,” he said.
“With trusted partners such as yourselves, we believe the 24/7 No-Stop Border is within reach.”
He outlined the key benefits offered to accredited companies, including express lanes, reduced inspections, and direct access to ERS support.
“In essence, being an AEO is comparable to holding a ‘diplomatic passport’ in the trade environment,” Nkambule said.
He further emphasised that the programme reinforces border integrity rather than weakening it, creating a predictable environment that supports economic growth.
“Together, we are shaping a trade environment that is secure, transparent, predictable, and competitive,” he said.
Private Sector: “Efficiency Is a Precondition for Growth”
Business Eswatini CEO Nathi Dlamini applauded the private sector’s growing participation in the programme.
“With today’s cohort, the number of accredited entities rises to twenty,” he noted.
“This is a clear signal that trust, compliance and collaboration are becoming defining features of our trade ecosystem.”
He stressed that AEO accreditation is directly tied to national competitiveness.
“Every saved hour, every predictable clearance process translates into lower costs, stronger balance sheets, and greater confidence to invest,” he said.
“Efficiency is not a luxury; it is a precondition necessary for growth.”
Dlamini also highlighted efforts to move toward a whole-of-government AEO model, which will further enhance Eswatini’s attractiveness for investment across key sectors.
A Shared Vision for a Stronger Trading System
The accreditation ceremony reinforced Eswatini’s commitment to modern border management, efficient trade processes, and stronger public-private partnerships.
As Minister Rijkenberg concluded: “Let us continue to build a trading environment where compliant businesses move faster, where borders are secure but efficient, and where partnership is the norm rather than the exception.”
United in vision and action, Eswatini’s government and business community are driving a positive transformation that places the Kingdom at the forefront of regional and global trade efficiency.
