BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
MBABANE – The Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) has postponed the 2026 Eswatini Investment Conference (EIC), saying the decision will allow the country to deliver a stronger international investment platform capable of attracting high-quality investors and global industry experts.
The conference, which had been scheduled for 29 to 31 July 2026 at the Ezulwini Palazzo International Convention Centre, will now take place on a new date to be announced later.
Announcing the decision during a press conference at Mountain View on Tuesday, EIPA Chief Executive Officer Sibani Mngomezulu said preparations for the event were at an advanced stage before the decision was taken following consultations with stakeholders.
He assured delegates, sponsors and investors that the conference remained a national priority and that all existing registrations, sponsorship agreements and partnerships would remain valid when the new dates are announced.
Mngomezulu said the conference is one of the country’s flagship initiatives aimed at positioning Eswatini as an attractive investment destination while strengthening investor confidence.
He explained that the postponement was largely influenced by challenges in securing confirmations from some of the international keynote speakers and subject matter experts who were expected to participate in specialised panel discussions.
“A conference of this nature depends on the participation of world-class experts who add value to the discussions,” he said.
He emphasised that the decision was not a cancellation but a strategic postponement intended to ensure the conference delivers maximum value to participants and investors.
Mngomezulu said Eswatini competes directly with larger regional economies such as South Africa and Mozambique for investment.
Because of this competition, he said, the country must present a compelling case to investors by showcasing its infrastructure, ease of doing business, political stability and welcoming environment.
He noted that visitors often arrive in Eswatini as tourists but leave impressed by the country’s modern infrastructure, cleanliness and hospitality.
According to Mngomezulu, the challenge now is to convert those tourist visits into long-term business investments that create employment and stimulate economic growth.
“We need people who visit Eswatini not only to enjoy our tourism products but also to see opportunities to establish businesses here,” he said.
He revealed that considerable investments had already been made in preparation for the conference, including promotional billboards, branding and logistical arrangements.
Despite these costs, he said postponing the conference now would ultimately result in a better event capable of delivering stronger outcomes.
Mngomezulu reiterated that Government and EIPA remain committed to attracting both domestic and foreign direct investment through targeted investment promotion initiatives.
He expressed confidence that the enthusiasm already demonstrated by stakeholders, sponsors and development partners would contribute to an even more successful conference once the new dates are confirmed.
The Eswatini Investment Conference is expected to bring together investors, policymakers, business leaders and development partners from across the world to explore investment opportunities across sectors including manufacturing, mining, agriculture, renewable energy, tourism, technology and infrastructure.
Mngomezulu said EIPA remains optimistic that the conference will play an important role in supporting economic diversification, job creation and sustainable development.
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