Eswatini increases local vegetable sourcing requirements to 80%

The National Agricultural Marketing Board (NAMBoard) in Eswatini has implemented revised import restrictions to boost local agriculture. Under the new regulations, traders must now source 80% of table tomatoes, beetroot, and green peppers locally, a significant increase from the previous 25% requirement.

The Eswatini National Agriculture Union (ENAU) has encouraged farmers to scale up production to meet this rising demand. ENAU Chief Executive Officer Tammy Dlamini noted that while the policy presents a major business opportunity, farmers must coordinate production to prevent shortages and prepare for potential drought conditions.

Simultaneously, efforts to commercialize traditional African vegetables, such as pumpkin leaves, okra, and imbuya, face logistical hurdles. Stakeholders have highlighted that the success of these retail initiatives depends on establishing efficient supply chains, including packhouses for quality control, sorting, and timely distribution to supermarkets and restaurants.