Times Of Swaziland: ESWATINI MOVES TOWARDS STREAMLINED BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

ESWATINI MOVES TOWARDS STREAMLINED BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
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Nhlanganiso Mkhonta on 04/04/2025 09:16:00


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.