This Friday, the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) will celebrate International Customs Day at their headquarters in Ezulwini. The theme this year is “Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity,” and the event promises to bring together key voices in government and business.
Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini will deliver the keynote speech, linking the day’s theme to the Government’s plans for Eswatini. Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg will share how customs play a crucial role in supporting the economy, while Commerce, Industry, and Trade Minister Manqoba Khumalo will highlight ways local businesses can benefit from regional trade opportunities.
One of the big moments will be a panel discussion moderated by ERS Commissioner General Brightwell Nkambule. The discussion, titled “ERS Customs Solutions Driving Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity in Trade,” will cover some exciting developments, including updates on customs digitalisation, how the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) program works, and what the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) means for Eswatini’s competitiveness in trade.
The panel lineup features some familiar names, including Precious Chauya, Acting Commissioner for Customs and Excise; E. Nathi Dlamini, CEO of Business Eswatini; Lungile Dlamini, Director of Trade; and Treasure Maphanga, COO of AeTrade Group.
Another highlight of the day will be recognising individuals and organisations that have gone above and beyond in customs and trade. ERS will present certificates of appreciation from the World Customs Organization (WCO) to celebrate their contributions.
Ahead of the event, ERS Commissioner General Brightwell Nkambule said, “Customs is such an important part of how we keep trade moving and ensure businesses thrive. We’re excited to bring people together to talk about the progress we’ve made and how we can keep building on that.”
If you can’t attend in person, don’t worry, the event will be live-streamed on ERS’s Facebook and YouTube pages from 6:00 PM.
International Customs Day isn’t just about customs. It’s a chance to recognise how far we’ve come, celebrate the partnerships that make trade possible, and look at where we can go from here.