THE EU-SADC ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT (EPA) WORKSHOP

On 7^th November 2024, the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) and the EU Delegation in Eswatini organized a workshop on the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). This workshop aimed to enhance awareness and understanding of the EPA’s benefits and challenges, specifically for Eswatini’s exporters to the European Union (EU).

The workshop’s main objectives were to:

1. Educate local businesses and government officials about the trade and investment opportunities available under the EPA.
2. Encourage Eswatini businesses to leverage the EPA to expand exports to the European Union.
3. Discuss how Eswatini can meet the regulatory and quality standards required by the EU market.

What does the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) do for the Eswatini Exporter you ask? Well…

Market Access: Presenters emphasized the EPA’s potential for duty-free, quota-free access for Eswatini products into the EU market.

Trade Facilitation: Discussions centred on strategies for easing export procedures to make EU market access more achievable for local businesses.

Capacity Building: EIPA and the EU Delegation stressed the importance of capacity-building initiatives to support local SMEs in meeting EU standards.

Sustainability and Compliance: Attendees learned about sustainable practices and compliance measures necessary for exporting to the EU.

The event highlighted the EPA as a critical tool for economic growth in Eswatini, offering expanded market opportunities and the potential to strengthen the country’s export profile. We appreciate all our members that participated in this workshop and trust that they found it most beneficial.

ESWATINI AND SOUTH AFRICA JOINT ACTION PLAN FOR COORDINATED BORDER MANAGEMENT

In a move to ease border congestion and boost trade, the Eswatini National Trade Facilitation Committee (ENTFC) signed a Joint Action Plan (JAP) with South Africa for enhanced border management on 6 November 2024. The Joint Action Plan marks a significant step in strengthening trade ties between Eswatini and South Africa by simplifying border procedures and reducing wait times at the Ngwenya-Oshoek border post— the main trade corridor linking Eswatini and South Africa. This plan, supported by the World Bank, will address challenges at the border, making crossings smoother, faster, and more secure for both travellers and cargo. With the Joint Action Plan, the ENTFC and its partners aim to cut processing times by at least 20% by December 2026.

INVITATION TO IFC PRIVATE SECTOR DAY IN ESWATINI UNDER THE THEME INCLUSIVE GROWTH: Enabling inclusive sustainable private sector growth in Eswatini

The International Finance Corporation – IFC, the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, would like to invite you to the IFC Private Sector Day for Eswatini. The IFC private sector day seeks to explore private sector opportunities and challenges while showcasing different financial and non-financial instruments at the IFC to support private sector entities unlock opportunities for growth. Details are below:

Date: Wednesday, 27 November 2024

Time: 08:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Venue: Happy Valley Hotel

Click this link to register:  https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=wP6iMWsmZ0y1bieW2PWcNuAzZscXkMlGkc26oizc_sFUNlBHWlo5SEhKUlpSRkw1MkdBRk1TSktXTS4u&route=shorturl