EZULWINI – Afreximbank has called for urgent implementation of investment commitments made to Eswatini, pledging financial support for bankable projects that can drive real economic transformation.
Speaking at the Eswatini Investment Conference last Thursday, Dr Gainmore Zanamwe, Director of Trade Facilitation and Investment Promotion at the African Export-Import Bank, said the time for promises had passed.
“Enough with lip service—this is the time to act,” he said to delegates gathered at the conference, which included local and international investors, government officials and development finance institutions. “Afreximbank is ready to back all investment commitments made here, especially those focused on job creation and economic development.”
The bank has made available a US$2 billion (approx. E37 billion) facility to support projects in African countries, including Eswatini. This funding will target key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and trade logistics—areas seen as critical to the country’s long-term growth.
Among the priority projects mentioned is the Mkhondvo-Ngwavuma Augmentation Programme, a water transfer and irrigation scheme designed to enhance food security and support rural development. Dr Zanamwe noted that agriculture continues to be a cornerstone for Eswatini’s inclusive growth agenda, and Afreximbank sees strong potential in its agribusiness sector.
“We want to finance, co-create and help build sustainable economies. But we need the public and private sectors to bring forward well-prepared, bankable proposals,” he said.
Dr Zanamwe’s comments come as Eswatini positions itself as open for business. The conference served as a platform to pitch the country’s investment potential to both regional and global stakeholders.
He also indicated that Afreximbank’s involvement could provide much-needed assurance to investors, particularly in areas such as trade-enabling infrastructure and value-chain development in agriculture.
“This is Africa’s moment. Eswatini must not be left behind,” he said. “Let us implement the promises made today and build a future our people can be proud of.”
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