Mbabane- The Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) has launched an ambitious initiative to strengthen the country’s private sector by developing a National Traders Directory, with support from the European Union and the International Trade Centre (ITC).
In a statement dated 09 April , 2026, the directory is expected to serve as a centralized digital platform capturing detailed information on Eswatini-based traders, including their products, services, and business operations. The move is aimed at improving business visibility and facilitating stronger connections between local enterprises and regional as well as international markets.
EIPA says the initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance the global competitiveness of Eswatini businesses by improving access to market intelligence and unlocking new trade opportunities. By consolidating trader information in one accessible platform, the authority hopes to bridge information gaps that often limit small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from expanding beyond domestic markets.
EIPA Manager for External Trade, Thandeka Dlamini, underscored the importance of widespread participation, noting that the success of the directory depends on the active involvement of traders across the country.
She said businesses that take part stand to benefit from increased exposure, improved networking opportunities, and easier access to valuable trade insights. According to Dlamini, inclusion in the directory will position local enterprises for sustainable growth by connecting them with potential buyers, partners, and investors.
As part of the rollout, EIPA will conduct interviews with traders between March and May 2026 to collect accurate and relevant business data. These engagements are expected to ensure that the directory provides a comprehensive and reliable snapshot of the country’s trading landscape.
The collaboration with the International Trade Centre is expected to bring technical expertise and global reach to the project, ensuring that the directory meets international standards and effectively links Eswatini traders to broader markets.
Businesses interested in being featured in the directory have been encouraged to submit their details and participate in the interview process, as EIPA moves to build what it describes as a powerful tool for driving long-term trade growth and private sector development in Eswatini.
A Meaningful Initiative – MSME Director
The Director of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Mluleki Dlamini has described the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA)’s rollout of the National Traders Directory as “a meaningful initiative” that will play a key role in advancing the country’s MSME sector.
Speaking on the development, the director expressed strong support for the initiative, highlighting its potential to go beyond simply collecting trader information.
“It is a meaningful initiative that is fully supported in the quest for the promotion and development of MSMEs in the country,” Dlamini said. “The initiative is not just a tool to collect information but will extend to business linkages with market access and other economic opportunities for the sector, he stressed.
The director further noted that the rollout complements ongoing efforts to improve visibility of local enterprises, including the recently launched MSME Portal, which is currently live and enabling businesses to register through the Citizen Economic Empowerment Council.
According to the Dlamini, such initiatives are critical in marketing the MSME sector and ensuring that small businesses are better positioned to access opportunities.
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