THROUGH the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA), five major projects transitioned from planning to implementation, representing E7.4 billion in investments with an estimated 4 850 jobs.
The investment commitments, disclosed in the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade’s first-quarter performance report tabled in Parliament yesterday, mark one of the strongest indicators yet of investor confidence in the country’s ongoing economic reform programme.
The report shows that investment promotion remained a key driver of the ministry’s performance during the April to June reporting period, with government continuing to pursue industrialisation, regulatory reforms and private sector development despite a difficult global economic environment.
In the report’s preamble, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo said the ministry had remained focused on implementing government’s economic transformation agenda amid persistent inflationary pressures, supply chain disruptions and increased global competition for investment.
“The ministry has remained steadfast in executing its mandate.
“Through prudent policy implementation, strengthened partnerships and institutional reforms, we continue to lay a solid foundation for sustainable economic growth, employment creation and improved livelihoods for the people of the Kingdom of Eswatini,” Khumalo said.
A key investment milestone during the quarter was the commitment by Texray Group to invest US$80 million, approximately E1.3 billion, as the anchor investor for the Taiwan Innovation Industrial Park, a project expected to strengthen the country’s manufacturing capacity and attract additional investors into the industrial park.
The report also notes that EIPA has been designated as the National Focal Point for investment matters under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Protocol on Investment, positioning the country to align its investment framework with continental standards and capitalise on opportunities arising from regional market integration.
Alongside investment attraction, government continued implementing reforms aimed at improving the operating environment for businesses.
According to the report, work progressed on the Investor Roadmap Programme, which seeks to reduce regulatory bottlenecks, simplify administrative procedures and improve engagement between government and the private sector.
Drafting of the Special Economic Zones Regulations also advanced during the quarter, while the Companies Bill continued moving through the legislative process. Once enacted, the legislation is expected to modernise company registration and strengthen corporate governance through a more efficient and digitally enabled system.
Khumalo said the ministry’s role extends beyond regulation.
“The Ministry’s mandate extends beyond regulation and administration. It encompasses creating an enabling environment in which businesses can flourish, industries can expand, investments can thrive, innovation can be commercialised and citizens can participate meaningfully in the country’s economic development.”
Industrial development projects also recorded progress during the reporting period. Preparatory work continued on reviewing the Industrial Estates Strategy and Masterplan, while feasibility studies advanced for the proposed Agro-Industrial Park.
Infrastructure development gathered pace with the handover of a 28-hectare site for the Manzini Arch Project and the award of the construction tender for the Manzini Mall Project.
The Metal Foundry Plant at Sidvokodvo was commissioned, while the Tsamela Solar PV project reached financial close after signing its Power Purchase Agreement.
On the trade front, EIPA reported that 18 local companies accessed international markets through exhibitions in Taiwan, generating about E2 million in potential export orders.
The authority also resolved all 20 trade enquiries received during the quarter, achieving a 100% response rate.
The report further highlighted progress in enterprise development, with women-owned businesses accounting for 37% of exhibitors at the Royal Signature Expo, exceeding the strategic target of 30%.
Despite the positive momentum, the ministry acknowledged that constrained financial resources delayed infrastructure upgrades at the Manzini Trade Fair Centre, while budget pressures increased following the elevation of the 2026 Eswatini Investment Conference to Head of State level.
Export performance also remains vulnerable because of a narrow export basket, volatile commodity prices and cross-border trade barriers.
Investment snapshot: Key numbers at a glance
| Indicator | Figure |
|---|---|
| Projects moved into implementation | 5 major projects |
| Investment value secured | E7.4 billion |
| Estimated jobs to be created | 4 850 jobs |
| Texray Group investment commitment | US$80 million (E1.3 billion) |
| Companies accessing international markets | 18 companies |
| Potential export orders generated | E2 million |
| Businesses registered on Buy Eswatini platform | 35 companies |
| Industrial land released for Manzini Arch Project | 28 hectares |
| Renewable-energy milestone | Tsamela Solar PV reached financial close |
