BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE– The Government of Eswatini has officially commissioned a new Board of Directors for the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA), tasking it with accelerating investment inflows, strengthening the private sector, and driving job creation across the economy.
The commissioning took place on May 11, 2026, at the EIPA offices in Mbabane, where the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, said the new leadership arrives at a decisive moment as the country intensifies efforts to attract high-impact investment and reinforce economic resilience.
Khumalo emphasized that the board carries an ambitious mandate, including steering Eswatini toward achieving a target of E1 billion in business turnover annually through enhanced investment promotion and enterprise growth.
“You’ve just given us an additional challenge of growing businesses with a billion-turnover every year,” the Minister said, underscoring the expectation that the board will help energise the country’s economic expansion and improve competitiveness.
He further stressed that the newly constituted board—comprising both fresh appointments and retained members for institutional continuity—must prioritise positioning Eswatini as a preferred investment destination in the region and beyond.
“The newly constituted Board is expected to provide oversight, strengthen corporate governance, and guide the Authority in executing its mandate with efficiency and accountability,” Khumalo said.
Accepting the responsibility, newly appointed Board Chairperson and Ubombo Sugar Managing Director, Muzi Siyaya, said the team was ready to align fully with Government’s development agenda.
“Minister, we accept this responsibility with humility and with a firm commitment to supporting Government’s vision for economic growth, investment promotion, and job creation,” Siyaya stated.
He added that improving the ease of doing business would be central to the board’s work, as Eswatini seeks to unlock more private sector participation and sustainable economic opportunities.
“Our priority will be to support an enabling environment for investment that contributes meaningfully to inclusive and sustainable economic growth for the people of Eswatini,” he said.
The board is expected to immediately focus on attracting high-value investments, strengthening investor confidence, and supporting sectors with strong employment potential.
The newly appointed board comprises:
• Muzi Siyaya – Chairperson (Private Sector)
• Mbali Sibanyoni – Member (Private Sector)
• Henry Mndawe – Member (Ministry of Agriculture)
• Sifiso Khumalo – Member (Ministry of Finance)
• Lungile Mndzebele-Dladla – Member (Ministry of Economic Planning)
• Kingdom Mamba – Member (Ministry of Labour and Social Security)
Government says the commissioning marks a renewed drive to enhance institutional leadership at EIPA and ensure measurable economic impact through increased investment activity, business expansion, and job creation.
With expectations clearly set, attention now shifts to how effectively the board will translate its mandate into tangible economic results for Eswatini.
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