BY MBONO MDLULI
EZULWINI – The upcoming Eswatini Investment Conference 2026 is expected to play a key role in implementing a directive by King Mswati III to attract at least 10 mega investments worth E10 billion and above across various sectors in Eswatini.
This was highlighted by Russell Mmiso Dlamini, Prime Minister of Eswatini, when he officially launched the conference on Monday, March 9, 2026 at the Royal Villas.
The directive by the King was issued on February 20, 2026 during the Speech from the Throne at the State Opening of the Third Session of the 12th Parliament of Eswatini.
According to the Prime Minister, the investment conference forms part of Government’s broader programme to stimulate economic growth in line with the Sibaya aspirations and the Nkwe Programme of Action.
“This conference forms an integral part of a broader programme of initiatives aimed at reinvigorating economic growth in our country. It serves as a catalyst for investment, innovation and partnership, and ultimately as an accelerator for the growth and transformation of our economy,” he said.
Dlamini noted that the conference has been deliberately positioned as an opportunity-creating platform that brings together Government and the private sector to collaborate in driving economic transformation.
Through the conference, Government intends to showcase development plans including policy reforms, industrial park development and a pipeline of high-impact projects designed to attract both domestic and international investment.
A key focus of the upcoming conference will be the rollout of industrial parks across the country’s four regions, an initiative aimed at promoting decentralised industrialisation and creating sustainable employment opportunities.
“These parks will play a vital role in accelerating inclusive industrialisation and creating sustainable employment opportunities for our people,” said the Prime Minister.
Reflecting on the outcomes of the previous conference, Dlamini said several projects announced during the Eswatini Investment Conference 2025 have already progressed to different stages of implementation.
Among them are the Ubombo Sugar Limited project, which has finalised its agreement with the national power utility, the Select Home residential accommodation project by African Alliance Group, and a soon-to-be-launched commercial distillery by RES Corp for the production of the Spotted Horse beverage in Eswatini.
Construction has also begun on several renewable energy projects that were announced during the previous conference.
Dlamini said the progress made demonstrates that the investment conference is not merely a platform for dialogue, but one for action and implementation.
He added that Government, through the framework created by the New Investment Policy, particularly the National Investment Council, will work to remove barriers that could hinder the implementation of large-scale investment projects.
“Our goal is to create an enabling environment where transformative investments can take root and thrive,” he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve the country’s investment climate, including reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency and competitiveness.
He noted that initiatives such as the Business One Stop Shop have already helped improve the ease of doing business, with plans underway for a second phase that will introduce greater digitisation and involve more government agencies.
The conference is organised by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade through the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) and will be held under the theme “Connecting Capital with Opportunity.”.
The event is expected to bring together Government leaders, investors, industry representatives and development partners as the country seeks to attract high-value investments and strengthen economic growth.
