Kingdom of Eswatini Unveils National Strategy for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Implementation 2024–2028

In a significant milestone for Eswatini and the African continent, the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini, with support from the Economic Commission of Africa, Sub-regional Office for Southern Africa, officially launched the National AfCFTA Implementation Strategy and Plan for 2024–2028 on 7 March 2024. This groundbreaking initiative aims to harness the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement, fostering economic growth, industrialization, and integration into regional and continental value chains.

The launch event, marked by the attendance of distinguished guests and stakeholders from across the continent, underscored Eswatini’s commitment to leveraging the AfCFTA for national and continental prosperity. Acting Hon Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Hon. Dr. Thambo E. Gina (MP), highlighted the strategic importance of the AfCFTA to Eswatini's broader development framework, especially in enhancing the trade policy environment. "We look forward to using this National AfCFTA Implementation Strategy as a tool to promote and increase our trade within the African continent and beyond, attract investment, stimulate industrialization, promote productivity, and enable Eswatini businesses to partake in national, regional, and continental value chains," said Hon. Gina.

The strategy is structured around seven strategic objectives aimed at maximizing Eswatini’s benefits under the AfCFTA. These include increasing and diversifying local production, developing export readiness programs for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), improving access to finance, enhancing border management, sector-specific support, business climate improvements, and developing a competitive services sector to attract investment and diversify exports.

Mr. Mphumelelo Makhubu, a representative of the private sector from Business Eswatini, expressed the private sector's enthusiasm for the strategy, noting that "the AfCFTA provides a path to achieve that growth and indeed it is a path to inclusive growth and resilience."

UN Eswatini's Resident Coordinator, Mr. George Wachira, commended Eswatini's leadership and proactive measures in embracing the AfCFTA, describing it as "a beacon of hope for a united and prosperous Africa." He added: "As we celebrate the launch of the National #AfCFTA Implementation Strategy, let us renew our commitment to a collaborative and coordinated approach that ensures the fruits of this monumental agreement are realized by all." 

The National AfCFTA Implementation Strategy for the Kingdom of Eswatini represents a significant step towards realizing the vision of a more integrated and prosperous Africa. It sets a commendable precedent for the continent, emphasizing collaboration, coordination, and inclusive growth.

About the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA):
The AfCFTA is a landmark trade agreement aimed at creating the world's largest free trade area by integrating 1.3 billion people across 55 countries with a combined gross domestic product (GDP) valued at $3.4 trillion. It seeks to boost intra-African trade by reducing tariffs and creating a single market for goods and services, thereby fostering economic growth and industrialization across the continent.