The Youth Chamber of Commerce and Industrial Empowerment (YCCIE) is taking bold steps to place young entrepreneurs at the heart of global trade conversations. Through a recent webinar titled “Navigating Global Trade Turbulence”, YCCIE President Sakhile Nsibande called for a proactive approach to addressing the challenges Eswatini’s youth face in cross-border business.
Speaking during the webinar, Nsibande emphasized that more than 70% of the country’s export trade is concentrated in South Africa, a country already grappling with its own economic pressures. “We need to look beyond our traditional partners,” she said, adding that heavy reliance on a single trading bloc puts Eswatini at risk of economic shocks.
The webinar, which drew participation from regional trade experts and youth entrepreneurs, aimed to equip young business leaders with strategic tools to break existing trade barriers. These included understanding how new regional blocs like Mercosur and policies from the EU are affecting market access for Eswatini’s goods.
With over 60% of trade in the country still occurring informally, Nsibande highlighted the need for inclusive and youth-driven policies. “Young entrepreneurs must be part of the solution. YCCIE is committed to ensuring they are informed, equipped, and ready to lead,” she said.
The session also reflected growing frustration from local MSMEs, who continue to face non-tariff barriers within the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). Nsibande stressed that the conversation must move beyond identifying challenges to designing actionable strategies. The webinar included a workshop segment aimed at reshaping boundaries with provocative yet practical approaches to export readiness.
By fostering dialogue, capacity-building, and innovation, YCCIE is not just responding to trade challenges — it is redefining how Eswatini’s youth engage with the global market.