Research and consulting in Eswatini

Country overview:

Despite its small size, landlocked geography, and limited geopolitical significance, Africa’s last absolute monarchy has drawn attention from IOA research and consulting services. IOA analysts, leveraging years of data from the country, have identified potential for developing manufacturing and industrial agriculture aimed at export markets. However, the undemocratic and corruption-prone monarchy faces periodic violent resistance from its oppressed population.

Located just three hours from Johannesburg, the country benefits from access to South Africa’s market and infrastructure and participates in multiple African trade blocs. The government is actively working to simplify business processes and attract foreign investment.

Key opportunities in Eswatini:

Fertile agricultural land supports large-scale farming, with sugar being the country’s primary export
Strategically located between South Africa and Mozambique, Eswatini serves as a vital transportation corridor, offering market access to both nations
The country’s sizable unemployed workforce is highly trainable for industrial and white-collar roles

Key concerns/risks in Eswatini:

The absence of basic freedoms under an autocratic monarchy has fueled significant political unrest in recent years, creating an unpredictable business environment
With a small domestic market, manufacturing efforts must focus on export opportunities
IOA analysts highlight that secretive governance has fostered widespread corruption

Find out about how IOA can help you with research and consulting services in Eswatini

Tips on doing business in Eswatini:

Starting a business:

Eswatini allows unrestricted foreign ownership and directorship of businesses; however, this flexibility does not apply to property ownership
While noncitizens and foreign-owned companies cannot directly own residential land, they are permitted to lease it

Doing business:

To attract foreign investment, Eswatini offers incentives such as tax allowances, a flat 10% tax rate on approved projects, and duty-free imports of machinery and equipment
While the domestic market is limited, Eswatini provides access to South Africa, supported by their shared membership in the Southern African Customs Union and a 24-hour border crossing
(Read more at: https://investeswatini.org.sz/)

Culture and society:

Eswatini shares many cultural similarities with neighbouring South Africa, and English is widely spoken, facilitating smoother negotiations
Violent crime remains a concern; foreigners are advised to avoid isolated rural areas and avoid being alone out after nightfall
As a traditional monarchy, the country is culturally conservative, emphasizing respect for age-based hierarchies, a principle that extends to business interactions

IOA

Research and consulting in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)