SADC Boosts Eswatini\’s Trade Skills with AfCFTA Training

Training Workshop on AfCFTA Rules of Origin Held in Eswatini

A five-day training workshop on the AfCFTA Rules of Origin was recently held in Ezulwini, Eswatini. The event was organized by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat in collaboration with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and the World Customs Organisation (WCO). The initiative took place from 22 to 26 September 2025 and was supported under the European Union-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme. Funding for the workshop came from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the GIZ CESARE Programme.

The workshop received a formal opening from Ms. Lungile Mahlalela, who represented the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade. She expressed gratitude to all the partners involved, including the EU, GIZ, WCO, AfCFTA, and SADC, for their collaboration and support. Ms. Mahlalela emphasized that the training would assist the private sector in complying with trade rules more effectively, thereby improving cross-border trade efficiency and enhancing Eswatini\’s competitiveness within the AfCFTA framework.

Approximately 30 trade and customs officials from Eswatini attended the workshop. They were provided with comprehensive technical guidance on the AfCFTA Rules of Origin. The sessions focused on improving participants\’ ability to interpret and apply these rules effectively, which is essential for ensuring compliance and accessing preferential trade benefits under the continental free trade agreement.

Ms. Motheba Malibeng, Programme Officer for Regional Trade at the SADC Secretariat, spoke on behalf of Mr. Dhunraj S. Kassee, Director of Industrial Development and Trade. She thanked the Government of Eswatini for its confidence in SADC’s capacity-building efforts. Ms. Malibeng highlighted the AfCFTA’s role in advancing the SADC Regional Integration Agenda and its alignment with the region’s Industrialization Strategy, which focuses on developing regional value chains and consolidating the SADC Free Trade Area under the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP).

Mr. Karsten Mecklenburg, the EU Ambassador to Eswatini, praised the strong partnership between the EU and SADC as a key component of regional integration. He acknowledged the WCO’s contribution to building technical foundations for Rules of Origin across Africa through the EU-WCO programme. Mr. Mecklenburg emphasized that the collaborative efforts of the EU, SADC, WCO, AfCFTA, and GIZ will have a lasting impact on Eswatini’s trade capacity and the broader region.

One of the highlights of the workshop was a site visit to the Fridge Factory. Participants observed production processes firsthand, gaining practical insights into how originating status is determined under AfCFTA provisions. This visit reinforced the theoretical knowledge shared during the training sessions.

This training marked a significant step in Eswatini’s journey toward full participation in the AfCFTA. It reflects SADC’s ongoing commitment to inclusive and sustainable trade development. By equipping officials with the tools needed to navigate complex trade protocols, the initiative strengthens institutional capacity and supports the broader goal of economic integration across southern Africa.

Key Outcomes of the Workshop

• The workshop successfully enhanced the understanding of AfCFTA Rules of Origin among Eswatini’s trade and customs officials.
• Participants gained practical knowledge on how to determine originating status, which is crucial for accessing preferential trade benefits.
• The collaboration between SADC, AfCFTA, WCO, and other partners demonstrated the importance of regional and international cooperation in trade development.

Future Implications

• The skills acquired during the workshop are expected to improve the efficiency of cross-border trade in Eswatini.
• Strengthened institutional capacity will contribute to the successful implementation of the AfCFTA.
• Continued partnerships between regional and international organizations will be vital in supporting trade growth and economic integration.