BY MBONO MDLULI
EZULWINI – Eswatini’s Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, has expressed confidence that the United Kingdom (UK) can play a pivotal role in helping the Kingdom reach its ambitious target of E50 billion in trade by 2030.
The remarks were made during the Eswatini–UK Business Forum, held on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, at the Royal Villas in Ezulwini. This event was organised to encourage Eswatini business people to exploit the trading opportunities that remain available in the UK.
Speaking at the event, Minister Khumalo highlighted that Eswatini’s current export value stands at E39 billion, with approximately E2.6 billion worth of goods exported to the UK in 2024.
Trade and Investment as Growth Pillars
“Trade and investment are central pillars of the Government of Eswatini Programme of Action,” said Minister Khumalo. “They are key drivers of job creation, industrialisation, and economic transformation.”
He stressed that while the UK is already among Eswatini’s top ten export destinations, trade remains concentrated among a limited number of exporters and products. As such, Eswatini’s business community is being urged to actively diversify exports and fully leverage the UK market, which boasts nearly 70 million consumers with a growing appetite for high-quality, sustainably produced goods.
Economic Partnership Agreement Opens Doors
The Minister also emphasised the importance of the Southern African Customs Union plus Mozambique Economic Partnership Agreement (SACU+M EPA) with the UK, describing it as a predictable and preferential framework that creates opportunities for Eswatini to expand exports, diversify markets, and strengthen its industrial base.
“We encourage the British High Commission and its partner agencies to consider programmes aimed at building capacity for Eswatini businesses, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), so they can fully benefit from the UK market,” said Minister Khumalo.
Historic Ties and Strengthened Partnerships
Minister Khumalo warmly welcomed the UK business delegation, led by High Commissioner Colin Wells, noting that Eswatini and the UK share long-standing and historic relations that extend beyond diplomacy to meaningful cooperation in trade, investment, education, and development.
“Today’s forum is an important milestone in deepening those relations and ensuring they translate into tangible commercial partnerships, expanded trade flows, and sustainable investment outcomes for both our nations,” he said.
Eswatini Open for Business
Despite global uncertainties such as geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions, Minister Khumalo underscored that Eswatini remains open for business. The country has worked deliberately to create an investor-friendly environment, with attractive opportunities in agro-processing, manufacturing, renewable energy, logistics, and services.
He highlighted the World Bank Business Ready Report of 2025, which ranked Eswatini 10th in Africa for business reforms, including regulatory efficiency, business registration, and investor facilitation. A flagship initiative, the Business One Stop Shop (BOSS), streamlines investor registration and reduces the time and cost of setting up a business.
A Call to Action for Businesses
Minister Khumalo concluded by urging the business community to seize opportunities presented by the UK market and other international partnerships. “Let us translate dialogue into action, develop clear action plans, and create greater awareness among our business communities of the opportunities that exist,” he said.
He assured both local and UK businesses that the Ministry and EIPA are committed to providing the information, facilitation, and aftercare services necessary for successful trade and investment engagements.
“Together, let us unlock the full potential of Eswatini–UK trade and investment relations,” Minister Khumalo concluded.
