A new wave of investment interest is sweeping through Eswatini, with Baker Global, an international firm led by former Special Advisor to the President of the United States for the Homeland Security Council, Douglas Baker, signaling strong intent to invest in the Kingdom.
Speaking during a meeting with the Minister of Finance at the Ministry’s offices last week Friday, Baker emphasized that his firm is not in the country to seek consulting work, but rather to identify tangible investment opportunities in critical sectors of the economy.
“We’re working with a team of investors, along with companies that have leading-edge technologies. Our goal is to bring capabilities to Eswatini, Zambia, and other Southern African markets,” Baker said.
Baker Global Advisory is an international consulting practice that provides impartial expert advice to corporations, hedge funds, entrepreneurs, and governments, including sovereign wealth funds.
The firm specializes in designing and executing legal, strategic, and financial solutions tailored to complex challenges.
The visit marked Baker’s first to Eswatini and follows recent investment activities in Zambia, where Baker Global signed a US$40 million solar deal. The Eswatini leg of the visit included engagements and discussions around possible projects in agriculture, power generation, infrastructure, and financial services.
Baker Global is in the process of establishing Baker Global Africa, an entity focused on Sub-Saharan opportunities. Baker’s delegation described Eswatini as of great interest to them because of its strategic location, stable financial markets, and accessible governance structure.
“We see the potential to establish businesses that not only serve the local market but also produce for export, boosting Eswatini’s foreign revenue base,” a member of the delegation said.
The Minister of Finance, Neal Rijkenberg, welcomed the initiative, describing Baker Global’s approach as aligned with Eswatini’s broader economic strategy.
“As a country, we’re not just looking for consultants; we want real players who can set up operations here and generate lasting economic activity. Baker Global’s interest is exactly the kind of partnership we’re trying to attract,” said the Minister.
He added that, as a former private sector player himself, he appreciated the exploratory nature of such engagements and looked forward to seeing how some of the ideas discussed could be crystallized into bankable projects.
When asked about the investment climate in Eswatini, Baker commended the openness and accessibility of key decision-makers in government.
“We’ve had a very warm reception. The ministers have been forthcoming with guidance on where the opportunities lie and what the country needs most. Our next step is to conduct due diligence and match those needs with our capabilities,” he said.