The construction site for the multi-billion Manzini Arch Development Project has officially been handed over to J&E Construction Company, marking the start of implementation for one of Eswatini’s most ambitious urban developments.
Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, presided over the handover ceremony in Manzini on Wednesday, describing the milestone as a decisive shift from planning to execution.
Valued between E4 billion and E6 billion, the Manzini Arch Project is one of the largest private sector-led developments in the country and is expected to significantly boost economic activity while reshaping the urban landscape of Manzini.
Speaking during the ceremony, Khumalo described the milestone as a transition “from vision to implementation,” underscoring government’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth through strategic partnerships.
“This development signals strong investor confidence in our economy and our future,” he said. “Projects of this magnitude are critical in stimulating investment, creating jobs, and improving the quality of life for our people.”
The project, situated on 28 hectares of land at the former Manzini Golf Course, will be implemented in multiple phases over an estimated period of five to six years. The first phase alone is valued at between E1.4 billion and E1.6 billion and is expected to generate approximately 1,000 jobs during construction. Overall, the development is projected to create between 800 and 1,000 jobs, offering much-needed employment opportunities for emaSwati while supporting growth across related sectors such as construction, retail, and services.
At the heart of the development is “The Jewel,” a state-of-the-art government services hub that will centralise key public services, improving accessibility, efficiency, and convenience for citizens in Manzini and surrounding areas. Beyond government services, the Manzini Arch will feature a 150-room hotel, a residential park, and expansive retail and commercial spaces designed to position the city as a modern economic and lifestyle hub. The development is also expected to introduce new consumer experiences, including Manzini’s first KFC drive-thru.
Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, who also serves as Member of Parliament for Manzini South – the host constituency for the project – praised the progress made, commending the Minister of Commerce for driving impactful development initiatives. He noted that the Manzini Arch Project will not only transform the physical outlook of the city but also enhance its revenue base.
“This project will improve the rates for the City of Manzini and contribute meaningfully to the local economy,” said Nxumalo.
Manzini Mayor, Wesley Dlamini, also welcomed the development, describing it as a turning point for the city.
“This project is giving the town a new shape and new life, while also opening up job opportunities for our people,” he said, while acknowledging the Ministry of Commerce’s role in driving urban development.
Meanwhile, African Alliance, the project developer, emphasised its readiness to deliver the project while maintaining strict standards on quality, cost, and timelines. Speaking during the handover, Sthofeni Ginindza, Partner at African Alliance, said the company was committed to ensuring the development is executed efficiently and within agreed parameters.
“We stick to agreed budgets and timelines. It is important that projects of this scale are delivered with discipline and accountability,” he said.
Ginindza highlighted that African Alliance prioritises both quality and local participation, noting that where local capacity exists, it is utilised, and where gaps remain, efforts are made to build that capacity.
“We believe in maintaining high standards across all our developments while also empowering local professionals and contractors,” he said.
He added that the Manzini Arch Project will incorporate modern urban planning principles, including green spaces and lifestyle-focused infrastructure, contributing to a more livable and sustainable city environment.
Khumalo commended African Alliance for its continued investment in the country, highlighting its track record through developments such as Malkerns Square and Matsapha Link. He said the scale and consistency of the company’s investments demonstrate the potential for local and regional entities to grow into major economic players.
“Looking at the work African Alliance is doing and has done in this country, it shows that it is possible to build an entity with an annual turnover of E10 billion, in line with His Majesty’s call,” he said.
The Manzini Arch Project traces its origins to May 2023, when His Majesty King Mswati III officially launched the initiative, setting in motion what is now one of the most ambitious urban development projects in Eswatini.