ESWATINI MOVES TOWARDS STREAMLINED BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

MBABANE – Government in collaboration with the EIPA and international partners, is taking a major step towards improving the country’s business environment with the introduction of a One-Stop Shop service facility for investors.

This initiative was the focus of a validation workshop held yesterday, where stakeholders gathered to discuss the implementation modalities of this transformative project. The One-Stop Shop is envisioned as a centralised service point where investors can access all necessary approvals, registrations and permits under one roof.

This initiative aims to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles, reduce processing times, and enhance Eswatini’s competitiveness in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). In his opening remarks, Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) CEO Sibani Mngomezulu underscored the significance of the One-Stop Shop in streamlining business processes.

Confidence

He acknowledged that Eswatini lags behind in implementing such facilities, with many other countries already ahead in this space. However, he expressed confidence that the report being validated marks a crucial step towards closing this gap. “Today’s event marks an important milestone in our move to centralise business approval formalities. The main purpose is to ensure an inclusive stakeholder consultation for the design and implementation of a One-Stop Shop service facility for investors,” said Mngomezulu.

He highlighted the post-COVID-19 era as an opportune moment to leverage digital systems, enabling the online facilitation of business processes.
The technical expertise provided by the International Trade Centre (ITC), a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation, has been instrumental in developing a framework for the facility.

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Melusi Masuku, reaffirmed government’s commitment to the One-Stop Shop, citing its inclusion in key national policies and plans. He noted that His Majesty’s speech during the opening of the second session of the 12th Parliament, as well as the Government Programme of Action (2024–2029), had both underscored the need for a streamlined investment approval process.

“Implementing the One-Stop Shop will positively impact the business environment and will act as a precursor for instilling investor confidence in Eswatini,” Masuku stated. He added that the facility will provide expedited approval formalities for work permits, licences, clearances and other mandatory registrations.

Masuku also noted that the World Bank’s B-Ready Index, which measures the ease of entry and admission for investors, would likely see improvements once the One Stop Shop is fully operational. He acknowledged that previous attempts by EIPA had only resulted in a One-Stop Information Centre, rather than a fully functional approval facility.

Implementation

The revised approach, with support from international partners such as the European Union (EU) and ITC, is expected to provide best practices for a robust implementation. The One-Stop Shop is a direct response to the concerns raised by the business community regarding bureaucratic bottlenecks. During the recent Government-to-Business Dialogue, business leaders emphasised the need to address delays in approval processes, which government has now prioritised.

Masuku announced that the facility would be operationalised within the first quarter of the 2025/2026 fiscal year and would be a key feature at the upcoming Eswatini Investment Conference, set to take place on May 14 – 15, 2025 at Mavuso Trade Centre. The conference, launched by Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, is expected to showcase Eswatini as a prime investment destination. Preparations for the facility are already at an advanced stage, with premises identified and initial teams from key government departments and regulatory bodies set to be stationed at the One-Stop Shop.

Investment

“We are looking forward to providing an integrated service to investors under one roof in a comprehensive, convenient and professional setting,” Masuku concluded. “We will all work together to cut the red tape for establishing a business in Eswatini.” The One-Stop Shop is set to transform Eswatini’s investment landscape, offering a seamless experience for both local and international investors. With continued stakeholder collaboration and technical expertise from international partners, the facility is expected to enhance Eswatini’s business environment and drive economic growth in the years ahead.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: