Africa-Press – Eswatini. Business Eswatini and the Benin Chamber of Commerce have sealed a groundbreaking trade pact set to open fresh doors for investment and business growth between Southern and West Africa.
The two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday, September 11, in a virtual ceremony linking Mbabane and Cotonou.
The agreement commits both countries to promote intra-African trade, investment, and cooperation in line with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The signing took place at the BE War Room, led by Business Eswatini CEO E. Nathi Dlamini, while the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Benin (CCIB) was represented by its President, Secretary General, and other senior officials.
Adding diplomatic weight to the occasion was the Honorary Consul of Benin in Eswatini, Mr. Pierre Bidé.
Dlamini described the deal as “a partnership long in the making” and said it speaks directly to His Majesty King Mswati III’s Nkwe call for stronger international relations and aggressive attraction of foreign direct investment.
“When we first considered this collaboration, we saw two countries from opposite ends of the continent with little shared history. But we believed this was exactly why it mattered,” Dlamini said.
“This MoU is not just a piece of paper, it is a gateway to new markets, knowledge exchange, and investment opportunities for Emaswati businesses.”
Bidé hailed the moment as an “important milestone” and highlighted Benin’s open-door policy since 2019, allowing visa-free entry for all African nationals. He said this partnership creates a platform for deeper trade relations and cultural ties.
The CCIB President echoed this, describing the agreement as “a concrete step in the rapprochement of our two nations.” He pledged to move beyond administration to focus on practical support for entrepreneurs, best practice sharing, and training opportunities.
A reciprocal visit to Eswatini is already being planned to deepen cooperation.
“This is about building together a solid, lasting, and growth-oriented relationship,” he said.
“It is also a direct contribution to Africa’s prosperity goals, which will be achieved through intra-African cooperation.”
The MoU is expected to create tangible projects, boost exports, generate jobs, and link Eswatini businesses with one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies.
Business Eswatini said the partnership is a strong signal that Eswatini is open for business.
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