Black Mamba Foods, a thriving Eswatini-based company renowned for its award-winning chilli sauces, pestos, jams, and innovative chilli-based condiments, expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for its pivotal role in enabling its remarkable journey. AGOA, in combination with the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), has not only provided an invaluable platform for Black Mamba to export its products to the United States of America, but has also demonstrated how international trade can transform the prospects of developing countries.
Black Mamba Foods embarked on the path of exporting its products to the United States in 2017, and since then, their journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Thanks to AGOA, they have successfully navigated the challenges of international markets and have achieved exports totalling over $160 000 to date. The company’s products, renowned for their authenticity and flavour, are now enjoyed by countless Americans. AGOA has unlocked doors to opportunity, enabling Black Mamba Foods to not only thrive but also make a positive impact on their community and country.
The Chief Executive Officer of Black Mamba Foods, Ms Claudia Castellanos, says that she is immensely grateful to AGOA for the extraordinary opportunities it has offered her company as a medium-sized, Eswatini-based company.
“AGOA has not only enabled us to share the rich and diverse flavours of our products with the American market but has also allowed us to establish meaningful connections with consumers and businesses alike. This programme has been a beacon of hope for us and many companies in developing countries. It has not just expanded our market reach but has also played a pivotal role in uplifting our community and local farmers,” she says.
Black Mamba Foods stands as a testament to how AGOA empowers small businesses and fosters positive change, proving that when opportunity is provided, countries can harness trade to bolster their economies and elevate their people. Black Mamba sources fresh, organic produce from Guba, a permaculture training organisation in Eswatini, impacting over 1 000 individuals and employing a workforce where 85% are women. Their inspiring journey is a testament to the transformative power of AGOA and the positive change it can bring to developing nations.
About AGOA: The Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is a United States of America trade programme that provides eligible countries in sub-Saharan Africa with preferential access to the US markets. AGOA aims to promote economic growth, reduce poverty, and foster a stronger trade partnership between the United States and African nations. Sout Africa will be co-hosting the AGOA Forum for 2023 in Johannesburg from 2 – 4 November 2023
The award winning range of chilli sauces that Black Mamba Foods exports to the US market under the AGOA.
Enquiries:
Bongani Lukhele – Director: Media Relations
Tel: (012) 394 1643
Mobile: 079 5083 457
WhatsApp: 074 2998 512
E-mail: BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za
Issued by: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)
Follow us on Twitter: @the_dti
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