Eswatini has launched a One-Stop Shop initiative under its new investment policy, a significant step towards improving its investment environment.
The move was officially announced by the Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Trade, Melusi Masuku, during a validation workshop held at The Royal Villas.
The One-Stop Shop is designed to streamline government services for investors by centralizing access to permits, licenses, clearances, and registrations. This integrated platform aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and enhance the efficiency of doing business in the kingdom.
According to Masuku, the one-stop shop facility will improve Eswatini’s position on the B-Ready Index at the World Bank, attracting more investors and enhancing the business climate in the kingdom.
The B-Ready Index evaluates a country’s business readiness, focusing on factors like regulatory environment, ease of starting a business, and property rights protection. A positive ranking on the index attracts foreign investors and fosters a better business environment.
The One-Stop Shop’s operational launch is set for the current fiscal quarter, coinciding with the inaugural Eswatini Investment Conference in May 2025.
Speaking at the aforementioned event, Masuku emphasized the importance of improving Eswatini’s investment climate.
“Following consultations in 2024, it became clear that enhancing the country’s business environment was crucial to making it easier for investors to navigate administrative processes. The One-Stop Shop is a key component of Eswatini’s new investment policy. This is expected to streamline the often-lengthy process of starting a business, promoting a more efficient, investor-friendly environment,” he said.
Masuku added that the initiative gained momentum after a series of consultations with key stakeholders, including government agencies, the private sector, and international partners.
“The importance of the One-Stop Shop was further emphasized by His Majesty the King during his speech at the opening of the second session of the 12th Parliament in early 2025. The initiative was also identified as a priority outcome in the government’s Programme of Action for 2024–2029, showing the government’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment,” he noted.
International partners, including the European Union (EU) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) have been major contributors to this project, providing expertise in designing and recommending best practices for the One-Stop Shop, drawing on successful international models.
Furthermore, the one-stop shop aligns with the World Trade Organization’s Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement, highlighting its global significance.