EZULWINI – Honourable Mancoba Khumalo, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, has called on United Kingdom investors to prioritise agro-processing, manufacturing, and other productive sectors as Eswatini aims to transform its agricultural strength into an export-driven industrial economy.
Speaking at the Eswatini–UK Business Forum held at Royal Villas, Ezulwini, Khumalo said the Kingdom is positioning itself as a platform for value addition rather than just a supplier of raw materials.
“Our country offers attractive investment opportunities across sectors such as agro-processing, manufacturing, renewable energy, logistics, and services,” Khumalo said. “These sectors are central to our industrialisation agenda and to creating sustainable jobs.”
The call comes as Eswatini seeks to diversify its export base and strengthen domestic production, supported by preferential access to the UK market under the SACU plus Mozambique–UK Economic Partnership Agreement.
Khumalo noted that agro-processing and manufacturing offer immediate opportunities for UK firms to partner with local businesses and move the country up the value chain. He explained that Eswatini produces a variety of agricultural commodities that can be processed locally into higher-value products for export, while manufacturing investments can develop new industries and supply chains.
“Trade agreements provide the framework, but investment in productive capacity is what ultimately transforms economies,” he said.
The United Kingdom remains one of Eswatini’s main export destinations, benefitting from strong demand for high-quality, sustainably produced goods. Khumalo acknowledged that current exports to the UK are concentrated among a limited number of products and exporters, urging businesses to use the market as a springboard for diversification.
He also stressed the importance of integrating more MSMEs into export value chains, with support from development partners and trade agencies.
Eswatini’s investment appeal is backed by reforms recognised by the World Bank Business Ready Report 2025, which ranks the country as the 10th best performing in Africa on business reforms. A key initiative is the Business One Stop Shop, which centralises investor registration and approvals to reduce bureaucracy and speed up project implementation.
“These reforms are about sending a clear message that Eswatini is open for business,” Khumalo said.
The Minister described UK engagement as a long-term partnership focused on building industries, skills, and competitiveness rather than short-term trade flows. He assured investors that the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade and the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority will provide facilitation and aftercare support.
“As we move forward, let us translate dialogue into action. Together, we can unlock the full potential of Eswatini–UK trade and investment relations,” he said.
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