Trade

MBABANE – Eswatini’s business community stands to benefit from two major developments highlighted in the latest edition of The Journal of African Business.

The two developments include the growing role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in shaping trade policy across Africa and strategic collaborations on water security that involve the Eswatini Water Services Corporation (EWSC).

The September/October/November 2025 issue outlines key continental initiatives with implications for Eswatini’s private sector, from trade reforms to infrastructure and water partnerships, signalling new opportunities and challenges for local enterprises.

One of the report’s major mentions of Eswatini centres on water security and quality infrastructure. Magalies Water, one of South Africa’s leading water utilities, revealed that its Scientific Services Division has conducted benchmarking sessions with the Eswatini Water Services Corporation (EWSC) as part of a regional effort to strengthen laboratory services and water quality management standards across the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Through this collaboration, EWSC is set to benefit from advanced water safety technologies, risk-based monitoring systems and specialised training in areas such as chemical and biological testing, as well as hydrobiology for water security.

The report notes that regional partnerships are becoming critical as climate variability, ageing infrastructure and urbanisation increase pressure on water resources. For Eswatini, which has faced water stress in certain areas, such partnerships could enhance service delivery and support the country’s industrial and agricultural sectors that rely on stable water supply.

Beyond water security, The Journal of African Business emphasises the growing role of the African Private Sector Hearings (APSH) in shaping trade policy under the AfCFTA framework.

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Opportunities in renewable energy, ESG

MBABANE – The report also points to rising opportunities in renewable energy and environmental, social and governance (ESG) compliance across Africa.

With SADC countries embracing solar, wind and hydropower projects, Eswatini could attract investment into its underdeveloped renewable energy sector while strengthening ESG frameworks for mining, manufacturing and agriculture.

Industry experts argue that ESG compliance is becoming a key requirement for accessing international financing and export markets, meaning Eswatini’s businesses will need to align with these standards to stay competitive.

*Full article available in our publication.

The Journal of African Business emphasises the growing role of the African Private Sector Hearings (APSH) in shaping trade policy under the AfCFTA framework. (Pic: Courtesy)