BY EPN REPORTER
MBABANE – The Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) will host the third Eswatini Exporter Awards 2023 on 14 December.
The Exporter Awards seek to recognize and reward the outstanding performance and noteworthy efforts of local exporters in overcoming market entry barriers and as a result, achieving successful and consistent trade. The export activity being awarded refers to all products exported from Eswatini to any market across the world.
Bongani Ntshangase, Manager – External Trade said: “This year we will cover exports traded between the April 2022 – March 2023 period. This will give us a 12-month view of the trader’s activity and what they have achieved in that time frame. Export Trade forms a key part of Eswatini’s economic performance every year. In striving for economic growth, we cannot ignore the markets beyond our borders and the products that we can offer which are well produced by local companies and in demand in these markets. The effort local companies put into getting their goods and services to markets outside of Eswatini cannot be ignored as a result.”
He continued: “The road to becoming an exporter can be challenging, yet it is a necessary step that many have taken and succeeded at. In awarding those who have already taken the lead and started exporting, we are shining a light on the excellence that is being demonstrated in our country and using it to motivate others to join in and see how they can also sell their products in a new market. The world as we know it is changing rapidly and requires us to look beyond our usual ways of doing business.”
He further revealed that the companies who secure top positions at this year’s awards in Eswatini will form part of a regional competition which will see local winners compete against other exporters from the SADC region early next year.
This year’s Awards will carry the following categories:
• Best Global Exporter
• Best Exporter – SACU
• Best Exporter – AfCFTA
• Best Exporter – AGOA
• Best Exporter – EU
• Best Exporter – ASIA
• Best Newcomer
• Top Female Exporter
• Top Youth Exporter (18-35 years)
Local businesses based in Eswatini are invited to enter the awards and nominate themselves or nominate another business before the deadline of 30 November 2023. The participating companies must be a privately-owned company ultimately held by either a citizen or resident of Eswatini. Eligibility applies to all exports in all business sectors. Awards entries are to be submitted according to the entry information requested on the nomination form.
Last year’s winners included Montigney Investments, who was the overall winner taking the Exporter of The Year title. They also won the Exporter of the Year Award – South African Market with the Exporter of the Year – U.S. Market being won by Golden Jubilee Apparels.
To get a copy of the nomination form businesses can email trade@sipa.org.sz.
