Eswatini earns first mainland Africa Bonsucro Certification
By Delisa Magagula
Eswatini has become the first mainland African country to be awarded the Bonsucro certification.
This is an international standard that recognises sustainable and responsible sugar production. The certification covers the Tambankulu Estate (the grower), Royal Eswatini Sugar Corporation’s Simunye mill (the miller), and Eswatini Sugar (the marketer).
The landmark event took place on Thursday at Simunye club, the joint accreditation marks a new chapter for the local sugar industry, positioning Eswatini among the global leaders in ethical and sustainable sugarcane farming.
Worth mentioning is that, Bonsucro certification is a global standard for proving the sustainability of sugarcane production and its derivatives.
It is a multi-stakeholder program that requires companies to comply with strict standards, be assessed by third-party auditors, and verify their environmental and social responsibility, including fair labour practices and the protection of ecosystems.
There are two main types of certification: the Production Standard for farmers and millers, and the Chain of Custody (CoC) Standard for the trading side of the supply chain.
Eswatini Sugar Chief Executive Officer, Banele Nyamane, said the certification would allow the country’s sugar producers to compete at a higher level.
“This new accreditation will allow us to sell top-notch sugar that meets the highest global standards. It also opens the door to premium markets and could generate multi-million-emalangeni returns for the industry,” he said.
He further mentioned that Bonsucro is a global sustainability platform for the sugarcane industry. Its certification system measures environmental, social, and economic performance across sugarcane farms and mills. It promotes responsible farming, fair labour practices, efficient water and energy use, and improved productivity.
“Under the Bonsucro Production Standard (Version 5.2), mills and growers are required to show measurable progress in reducing their environmental impact, improving working conditions, and ensuring traceability from field to final product,” said Nyamane.
According to the CEO meeting these standards, Eswatini’s sugar producers now join a select group of certified players worldwide whose products are recognised as responsibly and sustainably produced.
The Royal Eswatini Sugar Corporation’s Simunye mill is the first in the country to be certified, with sugarcane supplied by the Tambankulu Estate. Eswatini Sugar, which markets the country’s sugar, played a coordinating role in aligning all stakeholders with the Bonsucro requirements.
“This achievement shows what collaboration can. Growers, millers, and marketers worked side by side with a shared goal to make Eswatini’s sugar industry more competitive and sustainable,” he said.
The certification is expected to improve Eswatini’s access to global markets that increasingly demand sustainably sourced commodities. It also strengthens the country’s reputation among international buyers and investors who prioritise environmental and social responsibility.
Industry experts say Bonsucro-certified sugar often attracts better contract terms and improved buyer confidence. Certified mills and estates benefit from operational efficiencies, higher yields, and compliance with international trade and sustainability regulations.
For Eswatini, this milestone could unlock funding opportunities and long-term partnerships in global markets, ensuring growth that balances profitability with environmental stewardship.
Maintaining the certification will require ongoing audits and continued compliance with Bonsucro’s standards. Eswatini’s sugar industry players are expected to use this momentum to enhance production systems, safeguard labour standards, and meet sustainability targets.
