BY MBONO MDLULI
EZULWINI – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has invited Business Eswatini to outline all the challenges faced by their members in order for solutions to be provided on how the country’s investments climate can be improved.
Dlamini said this on March 31, 2025 when he addressed the private sector during the second Annual Business-to-Government dialogue held in Ezulwini. The prime minister was responding to questions posed by members of Business Eswatini, who basically stated to the prime minister and the entire Government that there were so many bottlenecks that prove to be a hindrance to them, as they conducted their businesses.
The event focused on identifying barriers to doing business in Eswatini and discussing collaborative solutions.
Furthermore, he invited the private sector to engage in consultations on the Citizen Economic Empowerment Act Regulations and to actively participate in the Parliamentary process for the Employment Bill, aiming for regulations that are impactful and inclusive.
Key Themes and Initiatives
The dialogue was themed “Collaborate. Innovate. Execute: Strengthening Partnerships for a Thriving Economy for All,” and marked a significant collaboration between the Government and Business Eswatini. During the event, the Prime Minister launched several initiatives:
– National Competitiveness Council (NCC)
– State Business Relations (SBR) Core Group
– Four Technical Working Groups aimed at enhancing the SBR platform initiated two years ago.
Addressing Regulatory Challenges
The Prime Minister highlighted concerns about over-regulation and the cost of doing business in Eswatini. He expressed a commitment to addressing these issues, stating that he had engaged with the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade to prepare a Cabinet Paper that outlines the barriers and proposed solutions for improving the business environment.
He emphasized the importance of documenting the challenges faced by the private sector, urging stakeholders to submit their challenges and solutions to the Cabinet. The Prime Minister noted, “We are ready to work on that,” showcasing the Government’s willingness to collaborate.
Commitment to Change
In his remarks, the Prime Minister acknowledged the need for a mindset shift regarding legislation, admitting that the current laws are overly stringent and hinder business operations. “This over-regulation is so serious to an extent that it is constraining even Government itself,” he stated. He called for actionable solutions rather than mere discussions, insisting that solutions should be practical and implementable.
Position on GMOs and Economic Empowerment
On the topic of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), the Prime Minister reaffirmed Eswatini’s commitment to promoting a green economy and emphasized the desire for non-GMO food for consumption. He stated, “Being a green economy does not only include renewable energy but also the food that we eat.”
Conclusion
The dialogue signifies a crucial step towards fostering a more conducive business environment in Eswatini. The Prime Minister’s call for collaboration and actionable solutions reflects the Government’s commitment to working closely with the private sector to enhance economic growth and competitiveness.
