BY BANELE MAGONGO
MBABANE – Minister for Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo is attending the US-Africa Business Summit, where, among other things, he will take part in a meeting on the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) to ensure Eswatini’s continued participation in this programme.
The US-Africa Business Summit, a premier event organised by the Corporate Council on Africa, kicked off in Dallas, Texas on Monday (May 6, 2024) and will run until tomorrow (Thursday, May 9, 2024). This four-day event brings together key business leaders, government officials, and policymakers from the United States and Africa to discuss mutually beneficial business issues and facilitate engagement between the US and African governments.
According to information gathered from the Ministry of Commerce’s Facebook page, the main objective of this meeting is to engage with the United States of America (USA) to revisit the AGOA agreement. With the current dispensation drawing close to its end in 2025, new terms will be introduced. As a country, our delegation will provide invaluable insights during various sessions to shape the future strategy.
Forming part of the minister’s delegation are senior officials, including the Eswatini Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Kennedy Groening, US Embassy Eswatini First Secretary Nomfanelo Simelane, and key, Director of International Trade Lungile Dlamini-Mahlalela, and Director of Industry Zamanyabose Mtetwa.
According to the Ministry, the COVID-19 pandemic and recent crises have ignited the Eswatini Government’s determination to strengthen its industrialisation agenda. As part of the delegation’s itinerary, the minister will be engaged in strategic high-profile meetings, focusing on crucial topics such as ‘AGOA and Beyond,’ ‘Partnering to Accelerate Africa’s Industrialisation,’ ‘The Hustle to Million Dollar Businesses,’ ‘The Unfolding Story of African Entrepreneurs,’ and ‘Women’s Economic Empowerment.’ Women empowerment, according to the Ministry, is a key sector for industrial development in Eswatini’s Industrial Policy (2023-2033).
