Eswatini validates AfCFTA national implementation strategy

The United Nations, through the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), is supporting the Kingdom of Eswatini to develop a national Implementation Strategy for the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA).

On 4 May 2023, the ECA and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade hosted a validation workshop of the draft strategy for senior policy makers from the economic cluster ministries, parastatal entities, private sector and civil society. Separate validation meetings were also held with Cabinet and Members of Parliament on 2-3 May 2023.

In his opening remarks of the validation workshop for stakeholders, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Mr. Manqoba Khumalo, urged the private sector to be prepared to take advantage of the benefits brought by the AfCFTA. “Preparations may include increasing production capacities, diversifying and also adding value to raw materials found in the country,” he said.

He  highlighted the important role to be played by the private sector, including involvement of the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) especially those owned by women and the youth. “It is also important that as stakeholders, we build a common understanding on the priority areas that require policy & regulatory reforms and investments to address the identified issues,” the Minister stated.

Ms. Eunice Kamwendo, UNECA Sub Regional Office for Southern Africa, told participants that African countries remain predominantly dependent on exports of primary products in the agricultural, mining and extractive industries. “Studies have shown that the AfCFTA, if successfully implemented, could raise incomes by 9% by 2035 and lift 50 million people out of extreme poverty on the continent boost continental GDP to $3.3 trillion and create over 14 million jobs in the manufacturing sector alone, as among others, it provides opportunities to diversify exports and export markets, increase earnings from traditional and non-traditional exports as well as improve competitiveness and linkages with other sectors and regions,” she stated.

In his remarks, the UN Resident Coordinator in Eswatini, Mr. George Wachira, stated that, with the validation of the AfCFTA Implementation Strategy, the race was now on to actualize the dream of trade across the continent. He applauded Eswatini for the progress made in embracing the AfCFTA opportunity. “As the UN Family in Eswatini, we fully support Eswatini’s efforts to successfully implement the AfCFTA and to share/listen to insights on how we can work together to maximize its benefits,” he said.

The UN Resident Coordinator also highlighted that the UN Family has been working closely with the Government of Eswatini to support the country's trade expansion and development goals. He highlighted the UNDP Business Reform Programme which has supported the Government to improve the regulatory environment for businesses. In addition, he noted that a One UN Youth Officer is being developed to build on the UNDP Youth Entrepreneurship Programme, with a focus on three pillars: (i) youth employment and entrepreneurship, (ii) skills development and training and (iii) the health and wellbeing of young people.