UK–ESWATINI BUSINESS SEMINAR TO UNLOCK UK MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

By Tlalane Dlamini

Eswatini businesses will have an opportunity to explore new pathways into the United Kingdom market at the upcoming UK–Eswatini Business Seminar, taking place during the Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF).

The seminar will focus on how local businesses can make practical use of the Southern African Customs Union and Mozambique–United Kingdom Economic Partnership Agreement (SACUM–UK EPA) to access the UK market, expand exports and build stronger international commercial relationships.

Colin Wells, British High Commissioner to the Kingdom of Eswatini, will be part of the engagement, while Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo will serve as Guest of Honour and deliver remarks.

The seminar comes at an important time for Eswatini as the country seeks to strengthen its export capacity, attract investment and deepen international market linkages. The SACUM–UK EPA provides preferential market access for goods exported from Eswatini to the UK, with UK–Eswatini trade reaching £24 million, approximately E520 million, in 2024.

WELLS CALLS FOR GREATER USE OF UK MARKET

High Commissioner Wells has previously challenged Eswatini businesses to be more ambitious in pursuing opportunities in the UK market.

“We want to see Eswatini grow too,” Wells said, emphasising that increased exports can contribute to job creation and stronger economic outcomes for the Kingdom. He also challenged businesses to make greater use of the SACU–UK EPA.

His call reinforces the practical purpose of the upcoming seminar: moving beyond awareness of the trade agreement towards helping businesses understand how they can actually use it.

A BOOST FOR TRADE, TOURISM AND DESTINATION ESWATINI

From a travel and tourism perspective, stronger access to international markets can also support the broader Destination Eswatini proposition.

Tourism operators, hospitality establishments, creative businesses, producers and agribusinesses all form part of an interconnected visitor economy. Strengthening international business relationships can create opportunities for locally produced goods, cultural products and tourism experiences to gain greater visibility in international markets.

The seminar will provide practical guidance on rules of origin, documentation and compliance, accessing tariff preferences, export requirements and identifying opportunities in the UK market.

The engagement is aimed at export-ready businesses, existing UK exporters, companies seeking to enter the UK market, manufacturers, processors, producers and agribusinesses, as well as trade and investment practitioners.

The 60-minute programme will feature a presentation and interactive question-and-answer session, led by David Machin, Head of Trade Policy for Southern Africa at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Participants will gain a better understanding of the SACUM–UK EPA, the preferential access available to Eswatini exporters and the practical requirements for claiming those benefits.

REGISTER EARLY TO SECURE YOUR SEAT

Businesses and stakeholders interested in attending are strongly encouraged to register early, as spaces are limited.

For entrepreneurs, exporters, tourism stakeholders and businesses looking to take Eswatini products and services to international markets, the seminar presents an opportunity to gain practical knowledge, engage with key trade stakeholders and identify new pathways into the UK market.

Those wishing to attend should register in advance to secure their seat.