NAMBoard restricts the importation of Sugar Beans

By Delisa Magagula

The National Agricultural Marketing Board (NAMBoard) has announced a new trade restriction, this time placing a total ban on the importation of sugar beans into the Kingdom of Eswatini.

The restriction takes effect on September 22, 2025 and follows a recent assessment that found local bean production has now surpassed national demand.

The move is in line with NAMBoard’s mandate to regulate agricultural imports and protect local producers.

According to the notice, the decision was made in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Maize Corporation (NMC), which has been actively supporting farmers to increase production through the Horticulture Revolving Fund.

This is not the first time that NAMBoard has enforced such measures. Earlier this year, the regulator announced restrictions on the importation of tomatoes and beetroots, citing a sharp increase in domestic production.

The tomato and beetroot bans were implemented to ensure that local farmers could access the market without being undercut by cheaper imports.

Now, the restriction on sugar beans represents a continuation of this trend. NAMBoard officials argue that with greater support from government initiatives, development partners, and private sector investment, local farmers are producing more than enough to meet national consumption needs.

In a statement, NAMBoard highlighted that the country has witnessed a significant rise in the production of sugar beans, one of the staple commodities also supported by the NMC.

“After an assessment of the situation by the Ministry of Agriculture, NMC and NAMBoard, it has been established that local bean production has increased beyond the national demand,” the notice reads.

As a result, the importation of sugar beans will be totally restricted starting from September 22. The organisation also confirmed that the restriction is not permanent and will be reviewed if domestic supply falls short of market needs.

The restriction is aimed at safeguarding the interests of local farmers who have invested heavily in bean production, while also ensuring that the local market remains stable. By cutting down on imports, NAMBoard hopes to provide farmers with better access to consumers and fairer pricing.

Officials say the move will also reduce the risk of oversupply, which often drives down farm-gate prices, leaving farmers unable to cover production costs.

With the new measure, NAMBoard is confident that farmers will enjoy greater returns and continue investing in increased production.

At the same time, the regulator assured consumers that close monitoring will be conducted to avoid any gaps in the market. If local supplies drop below required thresholds, restrictions will be lifted or adjusted to prevent shortages.

The decision has been made possible by renewed efforts to strengthen Eswatini’s food production systems. Through the NMC’s Horticulture Revolving Fund, farmers have been given financial and technical support to increase yields of maize and sugar beans, which are considered priority crops.

NAMBoard’s partnerships with development organisations and private sector players have also played a role in equipping farmers with resources such as improved seed varieties, training in modern farming techniques, and access to irrigation facilities.

As a result, production volumes have grown significantly, with officials stating that sugar bean yields now comfortably exceed what the domestic market requires.

The tomato and beetroot restrictions earlier this year serve as an important precedent for the sugar bean ban. When those measures were announced, they were initially met with concern from traders who relied on imports.

However, local farmers were quick to fill the supply gap, and NAMBoard has reported that the restrictions did not lead to shortages.

Instead, farmers benefited from better access to markets, while consumers continued to enjoy consistent availability of produce.

The success of those restrictions is being used as a model for the sugar bean decision, with NAMBoard confident that the same outcome will be achieved.

The latest restriction underscores Eswatini’s broader agricultural policy direction: to encourage self-sufficiency in food production and reduce dependency on imports.

By creating an environment that protects local producers, the government aims to build resilience in the agricultural sector and ensure food security for the nation.

Still, questions remain about how restrictions might affect traders and retailers who traditionally imported produce must meet demand. NAMBoard insists that it will maintain a balance, prioritising the protection of farmers while ensuring that consumers are not disadvantaged.

NAMBoard concluded its statement by assuring the public that monitoring will be continuous. Any changes in production or supply levels will trigger a review of the restriction.

“For any enquiries regarding the above-mentioned notice, please contact the Head of Legal, Trade and Regulation, Bongani Mdluli, at 7802 2963,” the statement said.

With tomatoes and beetroots already under import restrictions and sugar beans now joining the list, observers suggest that more commodities could face similar measures in the future if local production continues to expand.

For now, the restriction marks a win for Eswatini’s farmers, who are seeing their efforts recognised and supported at a national level. Consumers, meanwhile, will be watching closely to see whether the ban affects prices and availability in the months ahead.