EIPA boosts industrial recovery with E11.7m contract awards

ByNhlanganiso Mkhonta7 January 20261 Mins read2 Views

The Minister for Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo has been in the forefront of the development of factory shells as he described them as a platform for investors to start manufacturing operations quickly, without worrying about infrastructure. (File pics)

MBABANE – In a significant move to revitalise the nation’s industrial landscape, EIPA has awarded contracts totaling approximately E11 780 213.44 to three local firms for the rehabilitation and maintenance of vital factory shells across the country.

The contract awards, announced through official ‘Intention to Award’ notices in mid-December 2025, target key industrial facilities at Matsanjeni, Matsapha and Hlatikhulu.

These projects are part of a broader national strategy to enhance Eswatini’s investment readiness by providing high-quality, serviced industrial spaces for both local and international investors.

The largest share of the investment is directed towards the Rehabilitation of Foodcom at Taitex Matsapha, awarded to Bahle Besutfu Investments for E7 471 340.31.

This facility is critical, given Matsapha’s status as the country’s industrial hub and its role in supporting the manufacturing and textile sectors.

In the southern region, Mkotoka Developers has been selected for the Proposed Factory Maintenance & Refurbishment at Matsanjeni, with a contract value of E2 827 609.59.

Additionally, SHERQ Fire secured a contract worth E1 481 263.54 for the Installation of Fire Hydrants at the Hlatikhulu Factory, a vital safety upgrade for the facility.

Factory shells are more than just buildings; they are the backbone of Eswatini’s industrial sector. By offering purpose-built, ‘plug-and-play’ facilities, government – through EIPA – significantly lowers the barrier to entry for new businesses.

These structures are central to the Eswatini Industrial Policy 2023-2033, which aims to diversify the economy, enhance competitiveness and create decent employment.

In the textile sector alone, which supports approximately 20 000 jobs, the availability of these shells allows firms to rapidly set up operations and participate in global value chains.

The decentralisation of these facilities to areas like Matsanjeni and Hlatikhulu is also a deliberate move to spread economic benefits beyond the central corridor.

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Written by

Nhlanganiso Mkhonta

Nhlanganiso Mkhonta serves as Business Editor at the Times of Eswatini. He reports on business, economics, finance, investment, entrepreneurship and public policy, producing insightful coverage and analysis of the issues driving Eswatini’s economy and the wider African business environment.