Swaziland's textiles and garment industry has grown at an ex-traordinary pace over the past 12 years and has been the real driver of explosive economic growth in the country. The passing of AGOA duty-free legislation in 2000 by the United States aided the garment industry's growth tremendously. In 2000, Swaziland's textile and apparel industry employed less than 5,000 workers; just four years later at its peak, the industry employed more than 30,000 workers. The number of apparel companies grew 500 percent between 2000 and 2004 to total 25 manufacturers.
Groundnuts (also known as peanuts) are one of Southern Africa's most important crops, but contamination by the carcinogenic fungus aflatoxin has become a public health issue and a significant barrier to trade. Risks associated with the fungus include liver cancer, impaired growth for children under five and suppression of the immune system.
The Southern Africa Trade Hub welcomes John James, our new Chief of Party.John has more than 20 years international experience leading multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary teams through his work as a senior public servant, a development banker, an investment officer, senior manager and consultant.
Activities