Ezulwini – The Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) has accredited seven leading companies under the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, marking a major milestone in the country’s journey toward faster, more secure, and more efficient cross-border trade.
The newly accredited companies, CONCO Limited, DHL Eswatini, Eswatini Post and Telecommunications Corporation (EPTC), Lactalis Eswatini, Seylan Freight, and Southern Star Logistics, now join a distinguished group of trusted traders who benefit from simplified customs procedures and improved trade facilitation measures.
Speaking during the accreditation ceremony, the ERS Commissioner General, Brightwell Nkambule, underscored the agency’s commitment to its vision of achieving 100% valued compliance for a better Kingdom of Eswatini.
He praised the seven companies for demonstrating integrity, compliance, and efficiency in their operations, values that align with ERS’s mission of building a competitive and transparent trade environment.
“At ERS, we believe that our vision of 100% valued compliance for a better Kingdom of Eswatini is achievable,” Nkambule said. “With trusted partners such as yourselves, we believe that a 24\7 non- stop border is within reach.”
The AEO programme, recognised by the World Customs Organization (WCO), is designed to strengthen collaboration between customs authorities and the private sector. It rewards companies that demonstrate strong compliance records and sound internal control systems with privileges that make trade faster, more predictable, and cost-effective.
Nkambule said that under the programme, accredited traders enjoy several benefits, including reduced inspections and faster clearance times at the border, priority treatment for shipments and goods under customs control, choice of preferred examination points for convenience, direct access to ERS officials for faster problem resolution, and recognition as trusted trading partners within regional and international trade networks.
These incentives, ERS noted, not only enhance operational efficiency for businesses but also help strengthen national competitiveness and investor confidence.
“The AEO programme offers tangible benefits that set accredited traders apart,” the Commissioner General added. “It’s not just about smoother border processes, but it’s about building a trusted network that supports economic growth and facilitates trade at every level.”
The AEO initiative is part of ERS’s broader customs modernisation and digital transformation agenda, which aims to align Eswatini’s border management systems with global best practices. Through initiatives such as data harmonisation, digital customs processes, and the operationalisation of one-stop border posts, ERS is working toward reducing trade bottlenecks and creating a more predictable environment for importers and exporters.
Nkambule also reaffirmed ERS’s commitment to working closely with the private sector through platforms like the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) to ensure that customs reforms translate into real economic benefits.
He added that the successful rollout of the AEO programme contributes directly to Eswatini’s national development goals, including job creation, increased export capacity, and a more resilient business environment.
A representative from Royal Eswatin Sugar (RES) Zakhele Zulu who was accredited the AEO two years ago shared his testimonial. ” Through the journey we have had partnering with ERS we have learnt quite a lot.
“Negatives translate themselves into positives,” he asserted. He further commended the government of Eswatini for moving ERS from an authority into a service saying this initiative came with a lot of credible changes. ” With the service we are able to interact and engage with ERS more than it was the case before.
As the AEO programme grows, it is expected to unlock new opportunities for investment, support export diversification, and enhance Eswatini’s integration into regional and global value chains.
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