BY MBONO MDLULI
EZULWINI – The One-Stop-Shop initiative in Eswatini has reached a significant milestone by entering the mapping validation stage.
The validation workshop of this initiative was held on April 3, 2025 at Royal Villas in Ezulwini.
The One Stop Shop is spearheaded by the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC). This initiative aims to streamline and consolidate various approval processes for investors, allowing them to access all necessary services under one roof.
Purpose and Benefits
The primary goal of the One-Stop-Shop is to enhance the efficiency of business licensing functions, which include business registration, trade licenses, and permit applications. By centralizing these services, the initiative seeks to provide a more expeditious experience for investors, thereby fostering a more attractive business environment in Eswatini.
Workshop and Stakeholder Engagement
A validation workshop was recently held to discuss the One-Stop-Shop Mapping Report, which outlines the operational framework and sector-specific processes for establishing businesses in various industries, such as mining, energy, and telecommunications. EIPA’s CEO, Sibani Mngomezulu, emphasized the importance of inclusive stakeholder consultation in designing and implementing this service facility.
Digital Transformation and Future Goals
In the context of a post-COVID era, the initiative recognizes the advantages of digital systems to facilitate online business processes. Mngomezulu noted that while Eswatini is currently behind other countries in implementing such systems, there is a strong commitment from stakeholders to support this endeavor. The One-Stop-Shop is envisioned as a national tool to deliver coordinated services aligned with government priorities for economic growth and development.
Conclusion
The validation workshop marks a crucial step in operationalizing the One-Stop-Shop, with inputs from various stakeholders expected to refine the report further. The collaborative efforts between EIPA, ITC, and other partners aim to create an effective solution for service delivery to investors, ultimately contributing to Eswatini’s economic development.
(Courtesy Pics)
