Mbabane – Eswatini has taken a key step to strengthen its business and investment environment by validating a Gap Analysis Report that measures the country’s investment framework against the African Continental Free Trade Area Protocol on Investment.
The stakeholder engagement, organised by the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority on Tuesday at the Hilton Garden Inn, examined how current laws, regulations and institutions support investment under the AfCFTA framework. Participants explored reforms aimed at easing cross-border business operations and improving investor confidence. Public and private sector representatives, development partners and policy experts discussed gaps in the existing system and practical measures to reduce regulatory friction.
The report, developed under the AfCFTA Capacity Building Programme on Investment with support from ODI Global, identifies areas where Eswatini can better align its investment rules with continental standards. Key focus areas include investment promotion, facilitation, protection and sustainable development.
Business Eswatini President Mvuselelo Fakudze said the AfCFTA Protocol on Investment is crucial for businesses seeking clarity when operating in multiple African markets. “This Protocol is important because it seeks to align the way we do business in the same way as other countries. If you have an operation in Kenya and want to set up a business in Eswatini, the Protocol helps one understand how to go about getting licences. From an African perspective, it helps Eswatini to align itself and allows us as the private sector to know the rules of trade,” Fakudze said.
He added that harmonised investment rules would also support local firms looking to expand beyond Eswatini’s borders. “If a business in Eswatini wants to set up in Uganda, it will make sure that the rules of engagement are the same. What is important now is for government and the legislative system to make this work, so that we all have a common understanding of how we trade and invest with other countries,” Fakudze said.
The validation of the Gap Analysis marks a step toward turning AfCFTA commitments into domestic reforms. For businesses, it points to a more predictable investment climate, clearer rules for cross-border operations and improved alignment with Africa’s emerging single market.
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