BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – The Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) has once again broken national records, prompting high praise from Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg, who has lauded the institution for exceeding expectations in domestic revenue collection.
Speaking at the ERS 3rd Annual Client Appreciation Day held on Friday, Rijkenberg commended the tax authority and compliant taxpayers for achieving a tax-to-GDP ratio of 16.7% in the 2024/25 financial year. This is an improvement from the previous year’s 16.1% and marks a significant rise from 15.6% in 2022/23, according to the African Development Bank’s 2024 Country Focus Report.
“This performance is not only a reflection of the effectiveness of the ERS but also a demonstration of the growing culture of tax compliance in Eswatini,” said the Minister. “These consistent gains in our domestic revenue mobilisation are key to sustaining national development and reducing overreliance on external sources.”
The Client Appreciation Day serves to celebrate individuals and institutions that uphold tax compliance and integrity. This year’s event recognised top taxpayers across various sectors, including manufacturing, ICT, agriculture, construction, trade, and education. The coveted award for Overall Highest Contributor was presented to Ubombo Sugar Limited, a key player in Eswatini’s agro-industrial economy.
In his remarks, Minister Rijkenberg also acknowledged the role of technology and innovation in improving tax collection. He highlighted recent ERS initiatives such as the TaxPal App, which simplifies tax filing for individuals and SMEs, the introduction of the Presumptive Tax regime for the informal sector, and the Voluntary Disclosure Programme, which is helping bring more emaSwati into the formal tax system.
“These tools are transforming the way citizens interact with the ERS, making compliance easier, faster, and more transparent,” said Rijkenberg.
Looking ahead, the ERS has set an ambitious new target of E16 billion in tax revenue collection for the next fiscal year. Minister Rijkenberg encouraged all sectors of society to continue supporting the country’s fiscal efforts by complying with tax laws and participating in revenue-generating programmes.
“Together, we can build a fiscally self-sufficient Eswatini. Every lilangeni collected is an investment in our collective future,” he concluded.
(Courtesy Pic)
