MBABANE – The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade has called on local businesses to adopt strict quality standards as part of a national drive to unlock export markets and grow the economy.
Speaking on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the Eswatini Standards Seminar held at Royal Villas, the Honourable Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, delivered keynote remarks under the theme “Unlocking Export Markets for Local Businesses through Standards and Quality Compliance.”
The seminar brought together stakeholders from government, industry and regional standards bodies to chart a common path toward positioning Eswatini as a competitive export driven economy. 
Khumalo linked the push for export growth to His Majesty King Mswati III’s economic vision of significantly raising GDP per capita. He said industrial growth and expanded exports were central to achieving inclusive economic transformation, particularly in light of the country’s small domestic market and high youth unemployment rate.
He told delegates that scaling up exports was now a necessity for Eswatini’s economic survival and long term prosperity.
Among the priorities outlined were value addition in key sectors such as agro processing, textiles, wood products and beverages. The minister also pointed to strategic trade agreements including the African Continental Free Trade Area, AGOA and the EU SADC Economic Partnership Agreement as vital gateways for local products to access continental and international markets.
Khumalo said accelerating industrialisation would help create jobs and reduce poverty, while strengthening support for micro, small and medium enterprises through policies such as the Citizen Empowerment Act would ensure emaSwati entrepreneurs fully participate in the export economy.
Central to his address was the role of standards and quality compliance. He told businesses that certifications such as ISO, HACCP and ARSO standards, obtained through the Eswatini Standards Authority, were critical tools for entering and competing in global markets.
According to the minister, meeting recognised standards would help companies build credibility and trust, avoid costly export rejections, command competitive pricing and scale production for sustainable growth.
He also spoke of the importance of regional cooperation, noting partnerships with the African Organisation for Standardisation and the South African Bureau of Standards as instrumental in helping local enterprises meet international benchmarks.
Local industries and MSMEs were urged to take advantage of training, certification and support services offered by the Eswatini Standards Authority to become export ready and contribute meaningfully to the country’s industrial ambitions.
