SEAMLESS TRADE WITH SINGLE GOVT AUTHORISED ECONOMIC OPERATOR

EZULWINI – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has assigned the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) a vital objective for 2025: To operationalise the Single Government Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme.

The concept of a Single Government Authorised Economic Operator integrates the AEO programme into a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach to trade facilitation and supply chain security. Rather than confining AEO certification and benefits to Customs authorities alone, this model involves multiple government agencies, ensuring a unified and streamlined approach to regulatory compliance for certified operators.

During the International Customs Day celebrations on January 24, 2025, at the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) headquarters, Prime Minister Dlamini emphasised the transformative potential of the AEO programme for enhancing trade efficiency and economic growth.

Seamless

“The Single Government AEO programme is foundational to our efforts to simplify border processes and promote the seamless movement of goods,” Dlamini stated. This initiative is part of the government’s broader economic transformation agenda, which prioritises efficiency, security and prosperity in trade facilitation.

Dlamini highlighted that the operationalisation of the AEO program reflects Eswatini’s commitment to the Agile (Nkwe) Economic Transformation Strategy, which is part of the 2024-2029 Programme of Action. He mentioned the goal of achieving a 12 per cent economic growth rate by 2030, emphasising that the strategy focuses on infrastructure development, industrialisation, and innovation to position the kingdom as an export-driven economy.

The prime minister also noted that Eswatini’s Customs modernisation efforts are essential to this vision. “Simplifying border processes is not merely an administrative reform; it is a catalyst for prosperity, enabling our businesses to access regional, continental and global markets with ease,” he remarked. 

Dlamini celebrated the implementation plan of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), launched in 2024, which grants Eswatini’s traders access to a market of over 1.3 billion people. He emphasised the importance of enabling small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to thrive in expanded markets, supported by streamlined Customs processes and the adoption of advanced technologies.

Under the theme ‘Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity,’ the International Customs Day event highlighted the crucial role of Customs in facilitating trade. The Electronic Revenue System (ERS), in collaboration with the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC), has introduced innovative solutions such as the Single Window System and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Regional Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme.

These initiatives aim to create a ‘virtual border post’ for trusted traders, enabling the efficient movement of legitimate goods. The prime minister further called for collective action among the government, the private sector and citizens to achieve Eswatini’s ambitious economic goals. “Together, we can build a prosperous, export-driven Eswatini where every citizen has access to economic opportunities,” he stated.

As Eswatini aligns its Customs operations with global standards, the operationalisation of the Single Government AEO programme represents a significant step toward creating a favourable environment for trade and investment. With these reforms, the Kingdom is poised to unlock new opportunities and thrive in the global economy.

Key Features of a Single Government AEO:

1. Whole-of-Government Approach: Multiple government agencies collaborate to implement and oversee the AEO programme, extending beyond Customs to include regulatory bodies such as agriculture, health, environment and security.
2. Unified Certification Process: AEO certification is recognised and administered collectively across all participating government agencies, avoiding duplication of audits, inspections and compliance checks by different authorities.
3. Broader Benefits: Certified businesses experience various advantages across government regulatory areas, including faster Customs clearance, streamlined approvals from different agencies and reduced regulatory burdens.
4. Streamlined Compliance: Businesses are required to demonstrate compliance with a single set of harmonised standards, which encompass the requirements of all participating agencies.
5. Technology Integration: Single government Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programmes often utilise centralised digital platforms to facilitate communication, documentation, and certification processes among agencies.

Benefits of a Single Government AEO

For Businesses:

1. Simplified Processes: One certification meets multiple regulatory requirements.
2. Cost Savings: Lower administrative burdens and quicker goods clearance.
3. Enhanced Predictability: Fewer delays and more consistent treatment across government functions.
4. Global Competitiveness: Improved access to international markets due to enhanced efficiency and compliance.

For governments:

1. Increased Coordination: Improved collaboration between agencies reduces duplication of efforts and enhances resource efficiency.
2. Improved Compliance: Encourages businesses to adopt high compliance standards across all regulatory areas.
3. Enhanced Security: A holistic view of supply chain security ensures comprehensive risk management.
4. Economic Growth: Facilitating trade boosts investment and economic activity.
5. In summary, a single government AEO ensures a coordinated, efficient and secure trade environment by harmonising regulatory oversight across multiple government agencies, offering significant benefits to both the public and private sectors.
6. It is worth noting that at least three more other companies have been accredited as  Authorised Economic Operators and these are companies are:
7. Eagles Milling (Pty) Ltd.
8. Farm Services (Pty) Ltd
9. Far East Textiles (Pty) Ltd  

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