MBABANE – A new partnership between Skyfly Technologies and Akata Holdings is set to bring electric vehicle production to Eswatini, taking advantage of the country’s favourable 10 percent tariff environment to boost investment and job creation.
The agreement was formally announced yesterday in Mbabane, where Skyfly Technologies Chairperson Lufto Dlamini and Akata Holdings Chairperson Alwyn Steenkamp signed a memorandum of understanding that will see the two companies collaborate in assembling and producing electric cars and motorbikes locally.
Steenkamp said Eswatini stood out as a preferred destination due to its low tariffs, which reduce the cost of doing business and create a more investor-friendly climate. He said the introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) in Eswatini will bring both economic and environmental benefits, including lower carbon emissions and a shift away from fossil fuel dependence.
The vehicles will run on solar energy, making them more affordable to operate than conventional fuel-powered options, according to the partners.
Dlamini said the collaboration represents a leap forward for the country’s transport sector and positions Eswatini as a regional player in sustainable mobility. He added that the rollout of EV infrastructure will support greener development while creating opportunities for technical upskilling.
The project is expected to begin with the recruitment of 100 employees in its initial phase. Upon full implementation, around 400 permanent jobs are projected to be created.
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