BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
MBABANE – Eswatini Railways (ESR) has invited private investors to submit proposals for the design, construction, operation and transfer of the proposed Mpaka Mall under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), in a move aimed at unlocking economic opportunities, stimulating regional development and diversifying the parastatal’s revenue streams.
Eswatini Railways is a government parastatal that provides transport services for import, export, and transit cargo.
The invitation, issued through Request for Proposal (RFP) Tender No. 03-2026/2027, forms part of ESR’s strategy to transform underutilised railway land into commercially viable developments that will contribute to Eswatini’s economic growth while attracting private sector investment.
The railway operator said the project would involve the design, build, operate and transfer (DBOT) of the proposed shopping mall at Mpaka, a location it described as strategically positioned with road, rail and air transport links that make it a focal point for regional connectivity.
According to the RFP, the proposed development is expected to decentralise economic activity by reducing the need for Lubombo residents to travel long distances for shopping and commercial services.
ESR stated that the mall would complement existing shopping centres in Siteki and Manzini by serving a different catchment area, while strengthening Mpaka’s position as a transport and commercial hub.
The parastatal said the project aligns with its objective of leveraging underutilised land assets for sustainable commercial, industrial and mixed-use developments that will enhance national economic development and broaden its income base.
The procurement process will be conducted in accordance with the Government of Eswatini’s Public Procurement Act and Regulations of 2020.
Interested investors will be required to purchase the tender documents for a non-refundable fee of E1,500, payable through Eswatini Railways’ Nedbank account. The documents will also be accessible through the Eswatini Public Procurement Regulatory Agency (ESPPRA) website.
Sealed proposals must be submitted to Eswatini Railways’ Head Office in Mbabane by 10am on August 17, 2026.
All bids must be accompanied by a tender security of E50,000, which will remain valid until November 30, 2026. Proposals received after the deadline will not be considered.
The bids will be opened on August 17 in the presence of investor representatives who choose to attend the opening session at the Eswatini Railways Boardroom.
ESR also indicated that a pre-proposal meeting and site visit will be held before the submission deadline to allow prospective investors to familiarise themselves with the project.
The financial recoupment model, the RFP states, must comply with the limits prescribed under the Standard Clause of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Governance Framework attached to the tender documents.
The Mpaka Mall project is expected to become one of the country’s significant infrastructure investments designed to promote private sector participation, create economic opportunities and support balanced regional development.
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