MBABANE — The Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) has honoured the International Trade Centre (ITC) with the prestigious Trade Support Initiative of the Year Award for its exceptional role in advancing export growth and trade development.
The recognition took place during a breakfast ceremony marking the official handover of the award and certificates for the Training of Trainers Programme.
EIPA Chief Executive Officer Sibani Mngomezulu highlighted the importance of partnerships that drive sustainable economic growth and empower local exporters.
“Today, we gather to celebrate those journeys — the individuals and institutions who have demonstrated excellence and dedication to advancing Eswatini’s export agenda,”
said Mngomezulu.
Celebrating Export Excellence
The award follows the 4th edition of the Eswatini National Exporter Awards (ENEXA), hosted on September 3 during the Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF).
The event, graced by Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, celebrated innovation, resilience, and excellence among local exporters.
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In his keynote address, the Prime Minister emphasised the need to position exports at the centre of Eswatini’s economic growth strategy, setting a national target of achieving E50 billion in exports by 2030.
Mngomezulu reiterated that ENEXA serves as a reminder that behind every successful export story lies persistence, innovation, and the ability to meet international standards.
Partnerships Driving Growth
Mngomezulu further noted that the awards reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to expand market access through strategic trade agreements such as the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union.
He added that ENEXA’s purpose extends beyond recognition — it aims to inspire micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to realise that exporting is achievable and rewarding when supported by the right strategies and partnerships.
Through initiatives like the Alliance for Action Eswatini, implemented in collaboration with the ITC and funded by the European Union, EIPA continues to foster innovation, competitiveness, and job creation.
This partnership has also contributed to the implementation of the SADC–EU EPA and the improvement of the country’s overall investment climate.
Recognising Development Partners
For this year’s ENEXA, a distinguished panel of adjudicators — drawn from the International Trade Department, Business Eswatini, the Youth Chamber of Commerce, and the Eswatini Revenue Service — oversaw the evaluation process, with EIPA serving as the secretariat.
The panel decided to spotlight Business Support Organisations (BSOs) and development partners that have made significant contributions to export growth. Among 13 categories, two were dedicated to these organisations, with the Trade Support Initiative of the Year Award emerging as one of the most highly contested.
“Despite strong competition from other development partners, the adjudicators unanimously selected the International Trade Centre (ITC) as the deserving winner,”
Mngomezulu revealed.
ITC’s Lasting Impact
He praised the ITC’s instrumental role in strengthening export capabilities across the SADC, EU, and global markets, noting that the value of ITC’s support — both in technical expertise and resources, cannot be overstated.
Mngomezulu also highlighted ITC’s collaboration with EIPA in implementing several impactful projects, including the Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS) platform and the Eswatini Investment Conference, both of which have enhanced the country’s trade visibility and business environment.
Training and Capacity Building
During the same ceremony, certificates were presented to EIPA staff who successfully completed the Training of Trainers Programme on ITC’s Market Analysis Tools.
Mngomezulu commended the participants for their commitment, adding that the programme had strengthened EIPA’s institutional capacity to support local businesses.
“We encourage our newly certified trainers to share this knowledge with SMEs and other stakeholders, extending the benefits beyond our borders,”
he said.
