Picture this: A vibrant scene where trucks laden with Eswatini’s premium goods move seamlessly across borders, no longer delayed by cumbersome procedures or information gaps. This is not just a vision—it’s Eswatini’s unfolding reality. With robust support from the World Customs Organization (WCO) Trade Facilitation Acceleration Program, funded by the UK’s HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), Eswatini is rapidly advancing Collaborative Border Management (CBM) and data standardization, achieving unprecedented leaps in trade efficiency. This isn’t mere improvement; it’s a transformative shift positioning Eswatini at the forefront of Africa’s economic development.
From Gridlock to a Smooth Trade Highway
Frustrated by complex cross-border trade processes? Weary of costly delays and opaque procedures? Eswatini is tackling these challenges head-on.
Collaborative Border Management: Breaking Barriers for Seamless Trade
Imagine a well-oiled machine where border agencies—once siloed—now work in unison to streamline processes. This is the mission of Eswatini’s National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC), which brings together 10 key border agencies to optimize workflows, enhance information sharing, and achieve the ambitious goal of a "hassle-free border." This marks a concrete step toward building a fully integrated border management system.
Lessons from the Ngwenya-Oshoek Border Success
The WCO’s Time Release Study (TRS) at the Ngwenya-Oshoek border was a watershed moment, identifying bottlenecks and sparking a joint CBM action plan with South Africa. The target? A 20% reduction in border transit times by 2026. Now, the WCO-backed CBM project goes further, analyzing current and future border processes to pinpoint inefficiencies and deliver actionable solutions.
WCO Expertise: Illuminating the Path Forward
Guided by WCO experts, the CBM Working Group developed an inter-agency Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) framework—a cornerstone for seamless collaboration. After six weeks of virtual workshops and on-site assessments, the framework earned NTFC approval, marking a pivotal milestone in Eswatini’s CBM implementation.
Data Standardization: Building Digital Bridges to the World
Tired of inconsistent data formats or redundant submissions? Eswatini’s data standardization initiative, aligned with the WCO Data Model, is harmonizing documentation across border agencies. The result? A national data directory—a digital linchpin for interoperability and global connectivity.
The Roadmap: Eswatini’s 2024-2026 Trade Facilitation Plan
These strides directly support "Objective 3" of Eswatini’s National Trade Facilitation Roadmap, which aims to implement CBM practices and achieve system interoperability among all trade regulatory agencies by 2026—a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment.
A Collective Effort: Partners in Progress
Eswatini’s success owes much to collaborative support. NTFC members extended gratitude to the WCO team and officials from Namibia, Zambia, and Nigeria for sharing insights via the Trade Facilitation Acceleration Program. The CEO of Eswatini Business, an NTFC co-chair, highlighted the value of sustained collaboration among Eswatini’s government, WCO, and HMRC, noting measurable progress in WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement areas like CBM, risk management, Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programs, and post-clearance audits.
A National Reform, Not Just a Customs Overhaul
Brightwell Nkambule, Commissioner of the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS), emphasized: "CBM isn’t just customs reform—it’s a national reform uniting all border agencies under shared goals: efficiency, transparency, and service to traders." He noted CBM’s role as the foundation for integrated risk management, AEO programs, and broader trade digitization. "We’ve reached a stage where all agencies speak one language, recognize mutual dependencies, and share one objective: facilitating legitimate trade while safeguarding our economy."
High-Level Commitment: Securing Eswatini’s Future
The project’s significance is underscored by engagement from top government officials and private-sector leaders. Key stakeholders—including the Director of Foreign Trade, Chief Immigration Officer, ERS Customs Commissioner, and CEO of the Eswatini Clearing Agents Association—reviewed and endorsed the CBM implementation action plan, reaffirming their resolve to achieve its 2026 targets.
Looking Ahead: WCO and Eswatini’s Continued Partnership
The WCO looks forward to deepening collaboration with Eswatini under the Trade Facilitation Acceleration Program to drive sustainable development, trade growth, and economic prosperity.