BY SIBUSISEKILE NDLANGAMANDLA
MANZINI – Government has begun reviewing Eswatini’s Trading Licences Order of 1975 and developing Shop Trading Hours Regulations in a move to update the country’s trading framework and make licensing processes more effective and responsive to the needs of businesses and the modern economy.
The move is expected to shape a more responsive trading environment as the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade consults stakeholders on the proposed changes. Representatives from Government Ministries and Departments, parastatals, legal practitioners, business consultants and other stakeholder institutions participated in a consultative meeting to discuss the proposed review.
The Ministry’s Under Secretary, Phesheya Dube, highlighted the importance of stakeholder expertise and participation in shaping regulations that respond to the realities of domestic trade. A major focus of the review is the process of obtaining and managing trading licences.
Government is examining existing requirements and procedures that may create unnecessary administrative challenges for businesses. The review will also look at areas where the current framework may no longer adequately respond to the needs of the modern economy.
Stakeholders have been given an opportunity to provide practical input on regulatory barriers, implementation challenges, transparency, consistency and efficiency in the licensing process.
Alongside the review of the Trading Licences Order, the Ministry is developing proposed Shop Trading Hours Regulations. The proposed regulations will take into account the interests of businesses, employees, consumers, communities and other stakeholders, while supporting economic activity, employment and competitiveness.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to an inclusive and evidence-based review process, with the aim of strengthening the trading environment while safeguarding the public interest. The reforms are expected to provide a regulatory framework that supports entrepreneurship, investment and innovation as Eswatini’s economy continues to evolve.
The reforms signal a renewed push to make Eswatini’s trading environment more responsive to the realities of business today, laying a stronger regulatory foundation for entrepreneurship, investment and sustainable economic growth.
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