ESWATINI is preparing to host its first investment conference on May 14 and 15, an event designed to attract both international and domestic investors.

Organised by the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA), the conference will focus on key sectors including mining, agribusiness, manufacturing, tourism, and energy.

Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini announced the event last week, stating that it aimed to position Eswatini as a competitive player in the global investment landscape. “We have set an ambitious target to accelerate the pace of our economic growth at 12% per annum by the end of fiscal year 2029,” he said during a media briefing.

The conference, themed “Creating Opportunities for Rapid Economic Transformation,” will feature panel discussions, business presentations, and B2B meetings aimed at marketing Eswatini to potential investors. A gala dinner for high-level stakeholders will precede the main sessions on May 14.

Dlamini noted that the government has identified several projects across key sectors expected to drive job creation. “These projects cut across the above-identified economic sectors and are intended to create thousands of jobs.”

He also highlighted plans to announce policy changes aimed at improving the business environment. “Government will share information about various policy changes and programmes to create an enabling business environment and investment policy,” he said.

Eswatini’s appeal lies in its strategic location near major South African and Mozambican ports, which facilitates export opportunities. The country also boasts world-class infrastructure, reliable telecommunications, and a highly literate workforce with a 95% literacy rate. Additionally, its membership in regional trade blocs such as the Southern African Customs Union (Sacu), African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and others provides preferential access to markets across Africa.

“The groundwork has been done in highlighting the investment opportunities available in our country to both local and foreign investors,” Dlamini said. He confirmed that some of the projects to be announced during the conference have already been screened by relevant government institutions.

EIPA, established under the Eswatini Investment Promotion Act of 1998, is tasked with attracting and facilitating investment in the country. As a Category A Public Enterprise fully funded by the government, EIPA plays a central role in implementing policies related to trade and investment.

The conference marks a significant step for Eswatini as it seeks to strengthen its position in the global economy. Whether it achieves its stated goals remains to be seen, but the event underscores the country’s determination to attract capital and foster economic growth.