Swaziland turns to Africa as global doors close

Mbabane – Swaziland’s trade within the Common Market of East and Southern Africa (Comesa) grew substantially between 2012 and 2013. While 2014 figures are still being compiled, they look promising as well according to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade. During the 2012/13 period, Swazi exports to Comesa member states rose 177%, while imports from Comesa countries grew by 165%. When Swaziland was removed from the US trade scheme the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) at the end of last year, King Mswati said Swazi firms would seek African markets for their exports. The need to find new markets became more pressing earlier this month when the European parliament called for a review of the trade privileges Swaziland received from the European Union (EU). EU MPs have also hinted at possible sanctions against the country following last month’s decision by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to place Swaziland on a “special paragraph” probationary period. At its annual meeting with government and labour groups in June, the ILO determined the country had backslid on labour and human rights obligations. In addition to intra- Comesa trade, Swaziland hopes to export abroad to China via Comesa trade links. China purchases raw commodities from Comesa countries.