Africa-Press – Eswatini. Business Eswatini (BE) recently held a follow-up engagement with Allen Hodges of the US Embassy with Carly Van Orman accompanied by Dumisani Dlamini, building on previous discussions to strengthen trade relations, address pressing tariff concerns, and explore new opportunities for Eswatini’s private sector. The meeting underscored BE’s role as a key advocate for its members in navigating global economic shifts while fostering strategic partnerships. Present in the meeting were the BE President – Mvuselelo Fakudze, BE CEO – E.Nathi Dlamini, BE Head of Trade and Commerce – Musa Maseko and the BE Communications and Marketing team.
A key focus of the discussion was the recent US-imposed 10% minimum reciprocal tariffs on select products, including steel and aluminium. While sugar is not currently exempt, BE emphasized the potential impact on Eswatini’s exports, particularly given the country’s inordinate reliance on the SACU revenue pool.
The BE CEO appealed for increased sugar export quotas, highlighting Eswatini’s unique position and the mutual benefits of sustained trade with the US.
The BE President noted that unlike many other countries the US enjoys a trade surplus with Eswatini, thanks to long-standing partnerships with entities like Coca-Cola, DD Williamson and others. Imposing tariffs could reduce this surplus, harming both economies.
Hodges clarified that the tariffs are not meant to be punitive but aimed at revenue generation and to level the imbalances of international trading landscape. He therefore encouraged patience as the US engages in further dialogue particularly with affected nations.
Strengthening Women and Youth Empowerment Programs
The meeting also explored synergies between BE’s Business Women Eswatini (BWE) initiative and US programs such as:
Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE)
Youth Business Accelerator – Supporting the next generation of leaders
American Corners – Offering resources for skills development in Mbabane, Manzini, and Nhlangano
BE expressed interest in collaborating on digital economy initiatives and TVET programs, aligning with government efforts to boost technical skills.
Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Continued Engagement
Mr. Hodges reaffirmed the US Embassy’s dedication to ongoing dialogue, ensuring BE remains informed on developments that affect Eswatini’s private sector. Important to note was the introduction of the new US Embassy to Eswatini Public Affairs Officer – Ms. Carly Van Orman. This is was regarded with appreciation by BE as it comes at a time when there is need for a dedicated source of information within the US Embassy to provide enlightenment on the on-going US developments. The BE President emphasized that the US, as a critical partner, appreciates the Embassy’s transparency in guiding businesses through evolving trade policies.
This engagement highlighted BE’s proactive approach in:
Advocating for favourable trade terms (e.g., sugar quotas, AGOA utilization, etc)
Facilitating access to US-backed empowerment programs for women and youth
Providing clarity on global economic shifts to help businesses adapt
BE will continue working closely with the US Embassy to explore exemptions, partnerships, and opportunities that drive inclusive economic growth. As they always say that gratitude is the most exquisite form of courtesy, BE would therefore like to extend their most sincere thanks to the US embassy to engage with BE and the Private Sector even on demand.
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