By Bongiwe Dlamini

MBABANE:Eswatini’s banana industry continues to play a vital role in the Nation’s economy, contributing significantly to job creation and export revenue, Business Eswatini said through a statement sent to this Swaziland News on Thursday evening.

The business organization said, as one of the country’s key agricultural sectors, banana production does not only sustains thousands of livelihoods but also positions Eswatini as a competitive player in regional and international markets.

“However, to ensure the sector’s continued growth and sustainability, addressing the challenges faced by banana producers remains a critical priority.In a recent meeting held on 12 February 2025, Business Eswatini (BE) engaged with banana producers to review progress on resolving border delays and to discuss strategies for enhancing efficiency and safeguarding export quality.The meeting highlighted the sector’s importance to the economy and underscored the need for collaborative efforts to address persistent challenges.Banana exporters reported noticeable improvements in turnaround times at the border, a result of ongoing efforts to streamline processes. However, delays caused by inspections by South African authorities remain a concern, as they risk compromising the quality of perishable produce,” reads the statement in part, released by Business Eswatini Communications Officer Sakhile Dlamini.

The Communications Officer said exporters emphasized the need for further collaboration with authorities to reduce inspection times and prevent product loss.  

“To address these challenges, producers called for continued engagement with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Trade. Key areas of focus include: Ensuring exported bananas meet Global GAP standards to maintain market competitiveness.Revisiting the implementation of electronic seals to secure cargo and expedite verification processes.Advocating for inspections to be conducted at the destination to uphold sanitary and phytosanitary(SPS) measures while protecting the industry from pests and diseases.The banana sector holds immense growth potential, with opportunities to expand production and create more employment for Emaswati,” she said. 

On another note, Business Eswatini has expressed commitment to advancing discussions with relevant ministries on quality assurance, electronic seals, and destination inspections.

“The formation of a representative body for banana producers is also being encouraged to strengthen collective engagement with stakeholders.  

The banana industry is a cornerstone of Eswatini’s economy, driving exports and creating jobs for thousands of Emaswati.By addressing the challenges faced by producers, we can ensure the sector’s sustainable growth and continued contribution to the nation’s prosperity.Business Eswatini calls on all stakeholders to support these efforts and work together to build a more efficient, competitive, and resilient banana industry.Together, we can safeguard the quality of Eswatini’s banana exports, create more employment opportunities, and strengthen the sector’s role as a key driver of economic growth,” she added.