The Eswatini Standards Authority (ESWASA) represented the country at the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) Annual Meeting 2026 held in Paris, France, under the theme ‘Building trust in a changing world.’
The five-day meeting brought together representatives from business, government, civil society and national standards bodies to discuss resilient trade, cybersecurity, digital transformation, quality, food safety, climate change and artificial intelligence.
ESWASA was represented by its Executive Committee led by Executive Director Ncamiso Mhalanga.
According to ESWASA, the delegation participated in the ISO General Assembly, technical sessions and bilateral engagements aimed at strengthening cooperation and exploring how International Standards can support trade and sustainable development. 
ISO President Dr Khaled Soufi opened the General Assembly and said trust is not a given but must be built through cooperation and shared endeavour.
He said the ISO community should carry forward the energy and collaborative spirit from the Paris meeting to shape its next chapter.
On Day 1, Dr Soufi said trust must be built, proven and sustained. AFNOR President Guy Maugis and Minister Delegate for Francophonie Éléonore Caroit welcomed delegates and highlighted the importance of countries bringing knowledge and ambitions to a common table to create trust.
On Day 2, sessions focused on resilient global trade, cybersecurity, women’s leadership and nature’s role in business.
Discussions highlighted how healthy ecosystems contribute to resilient economies, supply chains and communities.
Young professionals exchanged experiences and partnerships were strengthened. The ISO Village showcased how digital tools are transforming standards development.
On Day 3, discussions centred on digital transformation, quality, collaboration and knowledge-sharing. The DigitalHub presented practical lessons and new tools.
Delegates also discussed the new ISO 9001 and how quality builds confidence and long-term value.
World Trade Organisation Deputy Director-General Jean-Marie Paugam said predictability, cooperation and International Standards help build trust across borders and support global trade.
ESWASA executives also attended the 60th meeting of the ISO Committee on Developing Country Matters (ISO/DEVCO).
The meeting linked priorities such as trade, food safety, climate change and AI with International Standards and highlighted the Action Plan for Developing Countries as ISO’s framework for capacity building.
ESWASA said the DEVCO meeting is important for developing countries including Eswatini as it provides capacity building, technical assistance and training for the development and adoption of standards.
The Authority said participation at the ISO Annual Meeting is aligned with its mandate to promote standardisation, quality and competitiveness in Eswatini.
For Eswatini, ESWASA said the outcomes of the meeting have direct relevance to local industry and trade. International Standards are key to market access, particularly for agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing and services.
Compliance with food safety and quality standards enables Eswatini products to meet export requirements and compete in regional and international markets.
ESWASA stated that these discussions on food safety are expected to support Eswatini’s efforts to strengthen food safety controls, improve consumer protection and reduce barriers for small and medium enterprises seeking to export sugar, citrus, honey, timber and processed foods.
Sessions on digital transformation and cybersecurity are also relevant as Eswatini businesses and public institutions adopt digital systems. Standards provide frameworks for secure and efficient operations.
On quality management, the discussions on ISO 9001 highlight the role of quality systems in improving service delivery, efficiency and investor confidence in both private and public sectors.
The meeting also emphasised women’s leadership and the role of young professionals in standardisation, which ESWASA said aligns with its efforts to build inclusive participation in standards development.
ESWASA said the central message from the Paris meeting was that collaboration, innovation and shared standards can turn trust into action.
The Authority said International Standards provide a common language for trade and cooperation. They provide assurance on product safety, quality and environmental sustainability, which is essential for consumer confidence and cross-border trade.
ESWASA reaffirmed its commitment to the global standardisation agenda and to ensuring that International Standards deliver benefits for Eswatini in business competitiveness, consumer safety and sustainable development.
