MSMEs to access EIPA, USAID’s export
MBABANE – The United States Agency on International Development (USAID) and Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) have partnered to show local MSMEs a way through which they could sell their products abroad.
MSMEs are micro-small, and medium-sized enterprises.
EIPA Manager for External Trade Sibusiso Mnisi said though Eswatini had over 50 000 MSMEs, most of these are trading in the domestic market.
He said his office had found that very few of these small to medium companies are exporting their goods to regional and overseas markets.
“As a result, we find ourselves needing to increase the number of companies who are active in this space to assist with the Government of Eswatini’s objective to see Eswatini becoming an export-led private sector driven economy. This makes opportunities for training critical in aligning trade with our current economic growth objectives,” he said.
EIPA has noted that of the 50 000 MSMEs identified in the country, less than 200 are existing exporters.
Mnisi said in order to ensure that the training is comprehensive and easy to follow for all who attend, the topics will cover all aspects of exporting, from addressing the need to export and the processes involved in the export business such as product development, export standards, export logistics, export finance, and marketing of businesses for export.
Experts
“Speakers will include experts from the USAID Southern Africa Trade and Investment Hub, Eswatini Revenue Service, Eswatini Standards Authority, EswatiniBank, FESBC, SWIFT, Smiling Through Investment, and EIPA,” he said.
Participation will be free for all MSMEs, according to
Mnisi.
“The training targets producers, manufacturers and artisan MSMEs that have potential to export to regional and overseas markets.
“We would like businesses with existing products to attend the training so they can apply the practical examples being given to their current product range and supply chain,” he said.
He added that they would also target freight forwarders, agents, business membership organisations, consultants, and trade support institutions.
“We would also like to encourage women and youthowned businesses to apply as these businesses are also important for economic development,” he said.
The training is set for June 7-8 at Sibane Hotel in Ezulwini. Interested participants are urged to contact EIPA’s office in Mbabane.
The USA, alongside many other trading blocs in Africa, Asia, Europe, mainly, have agreements with the Kingdom of Eswatini to allow for duty free entry of goods and services. Lack of sensitisation workshops like this one has been blamed for the low number of businesses that participate in the export economy.