Mbabane – Local farmers and agribusinesses could soon gain easier access to regional and continental buyers through a new partnership between the National Agricultural Marketing Board (NAMBoard) and the African Electronic Trade Group (AE Trade Group).
The two organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote digital trade, improve market access and create opportunities for financial support for farmers and agricultural businesses.
NAMBoard Chief Executive Officer Bhekizwe Maziya said the partnership would help local producers access markets beyond Eswatini through AE Trade Group’s digital trading platforms.
He said the agreement would also expose farmers to regional and continental value chains, allowing them to connect with buyers without relying entirely on traditional intermediaries.
According to Maziya, farmers would be able to advertise their produce online, communicate directly with potential buyers and establish long-term business relationships across Africa.
The partnership will also include capacity-building programmes for smallholder farmers and agribusinesses, with the training expected to cover business management and other skills needed to grow agricultural enterprises.
Maziya said the agreement would also create opportunities for farmers to access funding, grants and other financial services to support increased production.
He said one of the challenges facing the agricultural sector was the inability of local producers to consistently produce sufficient volumes to meet export demand.
Through access to wider markets and established trade networks, Maziya said farmers could be better positioned to grow their businesses and meet demand from buyers across the continent.
The partnership is also aligned with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to increase trade among African countries by reducing barriers to commerce.
Maziya said digital platforms offered farmers an affordable way of reaching customers beyond the local market, particularly as online marketing could reduce some of the costs associated with traditional trade.
He encouraged young farmers and producers who are comfortable with technology to make use of digital platforms as part of their agricultural businesses.
AE Trade Group is a pan-African social enterprise and digital trade platform that connects businesses, farmers and investors through digital solutions to facilitate trade within Africa and beyond.
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