By Phiwa Sikhondze
Eswatini’s journey toward a digitally empowered economy received a significant boost yesterday with the arrival of International Integrated Systems Inc. (IISI), a Taiwanese government-owned company.
The company has committed to upgrading buyeswatini.com, the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority’s (EIPA) e-commerce platform designed to promote local products to a global audience.
This partnership is set to revolutionize e-commerce in Eswatini, as buyeswatini.com will undergo major improvements aimed at enhancing the digital commerce ecosystem.
The platform already lists over 400 local businesses, and will soon integrate advanced payment and logistics services and launch a dedicated mobile app.
Speaking on behalf of the EIPA CEO at the Eswatini Business Digitalization Workshop, Siphesihle Nkhabindze highlighted the importance of adapting to digital trends.
He stated that the world is moving swiftly toward digitalization and artificial intelligence, and businesses in Eswatini must evolve to remain competitive. The workshop also marked the official commencement of the buyeswatini.com upgrade project, which will enhance the platform’s functionality and sustainability.
“The improvements to the buyeswatini.com platform will enhance the digital commerce ecosystem, increase market access, improve efficiency, and contribute to economic growth and employment generation,” Nkhabindze said, emphasizing the critical role of digital transformation in bolstering Eswatini’s economy.
He credited the partnership between Eswatini and Taiwan for driving this project, which is valued at $600,000.
IISI, a Taiwanese government-owned company known for its expertise in digital services, will oversee the integration of a new mobile app, seamless payment systems, and logistics support into the platform.
This initiative, born from a Memorandum of Agreement between EIPA and IISI, is expected to significantly improve the ease of doing business in Eswatini and enhance local companies’ competitiveness in global markets.
The digitalization project will not only modernize buyeswatini.com but also provide training and consultations for local businesses. Representatives from business organizations, regulators, youth and women’s groups, and academia attended the workshop, gaining valuable insights on how e-commerce can open new markets and improve trade efficiency.
Nkhabindze emphasized the importance of collaboration between the private sector and regulators, urging businesses to engage with IISI’s team in the coming days as they conduct one-on-one consultations with key stakeholders.
“We invited your presence here because we cannot build this platform without your involvement,” he said.
The project aims to create a long-term, sustainable digital commerce ecosystem in Eswatini, fostering growth and job creation. Through the platform’s improvements, local traders will be better equipped to navigate international markets, attract new customers, and grow their operations.