BY BANELE MAGONGO
MBABANE – Eswatini Sugar Association won the best exporter of the year award.
This happened on Friday at Happy Valley Hotel in Ezulwini. This was during the Eswatini Annual Exporter Awards, which was hosted by Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) and Business Eswatini (BE), with support from the USAID Africa Trade and Investment Southern Africa Buy-in Activity.
This award is given to exporters who have succeeded in exporting their products across the globe. This year’s awards ceremony also featured a peer-learning activity that helped both new and experienced exporters navigate the challenges of exporting to South Africa and the United States. The goal of the activity was to help exporters overcome any obstacles they may face in their efforts to reach these markets.
EIPA Manager: External Trade Sibusiso Mnisi, said: “We would like to congratulate Eswatini Sugar Association for winning The Best Global Exporter of the Year Award. Our congratulations are also extended to all category winners and the runners up,” Mnisi said.
“We would like to thank our partners Business Eswatini and the USAID Africa Trade and Investment Southern Africa Buy-in Activity, who have made it possible for us to host these awards. Participating in and supporting awards such as these forms part of EIPA’s trade mandate which is to stimulate export trade from Eswatini while also stimulating activity in the local trade scene.”
He stated that export trade is an essential contributor to Eswatini’s economic development, and it is important to recognise the contribution of local companies that work hard to export their products and services.
He added that the peer-learning event was a useful way for exporters to learn from each other and gain knowledge about the resources and programs available to support their export activities. He also noted that the presentations given at the event provided valuable information about the complexities of exporting to South Africa and the United States.
Mnisi pointed out that starting an export business can be challenging, but many exporters have been successful in doing so.
The purpose of the peer-learning exercise during the awards ceremony was to help current and aspiring exporters by sharing the experiences of those who have already been through the process. Recognising the achievements of exporters who have taken the initiative and achieved success serves as an inspiration to others, and highlights the potential for businesses in Eswatini to succeed in new markets.
Business Eswatini CEO E. Nathi Dlamini, accepted the award on behalf of the Eswatini Sugar Association and expressed his gratitude for the recognition of the company’s work. He stated that sugar is an important commodity, providing energy and employment to many people, and that he was proud to see the company being honoured.
