The Prime Minister, Russell Dlamini, has officially launched the 2026 Eswatini Investment Conference (EIC), signalling the commencement of preparations for the high-level gathering scheduled from 20-22 May 2026.
The launch event unveiled this year’s theme, “Connecting Capital with Opportunity,” and outlined the government’s strategic objectives for the upcoming conference.
Addressing stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, the Prime Minister emphasised that the 2026 EIC represents a deliberate shift from pledge-making to implementation and capital mobilisation.
“Eswatini is positioning itself to compete for global capital by strengthening the predictability, transparency, and efficiency of our investment environment,” he said. “Through the 2026 Investment Conference, we are creating a platform that connects serious investors with credible, high-impact opportunities in the Kingdom.”
The Prime Minister highlighted that last year’s conference, themed “Creating Opportunities for Rapid Economic Transformation,” resulted in numerous pledges and project announcements across priority sectors. Several of these projects have since advanced to various stages of implementation, reflecting growing investor confidence and strengthened collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Looking ahead, the 2026 EIC will focus on consolidating this momentum by connecting financiers, project developers, and policymakers. The conference programme includes a high-level Business Dinner, a full-day conference, and a half-day session. Prime Minister Dlamini reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a predictable and competitive investment climate.
A central feature of this year’s conference will be the Industrial Parks Development Programme, aimed at establishing industrial parks across all four regions of Eswatini. According to the Prime Minister, the initiative seeks to expand domestic manufacturing, promote export-led growth, and create sustainable employment for emaSwati. “Our focus now is on unlocking transformational investments that will accelerate industrialisation, stimulate value addition, and create sustainable employment,” he said.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA), Sibani Mngomezulu, positioned the conference as a bridge to channel private capital into the economy, particularly to generate employment and socio-economic impact.
“The investment conference empowers local businesses and young professionals by providing practical experience in trade and investment,” Mngomezulu said. “It ensures that all participants, from individuals to MSMEs and larger companies, can engage meaningfully and contribute to the Kingdom’s economic growth.”
Mngomezulu explained that the 2026 conference will expand on last year’s half-day format to a one-and-a-half-day agenda, with a focus on thematic topics such as financing projects, mobilising domestic and foreign capital, leveraging ICT for growth, value addition in manufacturing, and industrial park development. He noted that several MOUs are expected to be signed during the conference as project promoters meet potential financiers.
Corporate entities can purchase Platinum, Diamond, and Bronze table packages for the Business Dinner, granting access to the subsequent conference sessions. Individual delegates may also secure a dinner seat at E2,000, which includes access to the main conference programme. Participation packages remain unchanged from last year, ensuring continuity and accessibility for corporate stakeholders.
Corporate table pricing is also available with pricing structured as follows and remains unchanged from last year:
4. Platinum Corporate Table – E50,000 (Full Table) and E27,500 (Half Table)
5. Diamond Corporate Table – E40,000 (Full Table) and E22,500 (Half Table)
6. Bronze Corporate Table – E30,000 (Full Table) and E17,500 (Half Table)
The Prime Minister concluded the launch by inviting investors, financiers, and industry leaders to engage with the conference. “The Eswatini Investment Conference is not simply an event; it is a national platform for partnership. We invite all stakeholders to walk this journey with us as we unlock opportunities that will drive sustainable growth and shared prosperity for the Kingdom.”
During the launch event, structured sponsorship and partnership packages were announced. These packages are designed to provide mutual value and strategic visibility for participating stakeholders. Organisations interested in aligning with the national investment drive are encouraged to engage the organising committee ahead of the May conference. Participants were urged to reserve a table or seats in advance, as high participation is expected at this year’s EIC. Interested participants can email investmentconference@eic.org.sz.