Eswatini has been ranked among the top 10 best-performing countries in Africa for ease of doing business, a milestone that signals the Kingdom’s growing attractiveness as an investment destination.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, during the Business Eswatini (BE) Annual Reflections 2026 on Wednesday.
According to the Minister, the recognition comes from the World Bank’s Business Ready (B-READY) 2025 report, which places Eswatini as the 10th best-performing country on the continent in terms of business reforms and regulatory efficiency.
“Eswatini’s business reforms have achieved a top 10 B-READY ranking, a monumental accomplishment that signifies a highly favourable and efficient business environment within the Kingdom,” the Minister said.
He attributed the strong performance to sustained reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business, particularly in areas such as business registration, dispute resolution, trade facilitation, and the expansion of digital government services.
“This exceptional recognition is a testament to our collective will and demonstrates our nation’s prowess as a leading reformer in improving the business environment across Africa,” he said.
A key driver of the reforms, the Minister noted, was the establishment of the one-stop investment shop, which is designed to simplify procedures for investors and entrepreneurs by centralising key government services.
“This unified approach is a strategic move to make it significantly easier to start and operate businesses in Eswatini, while incentivising both foreign and local direct investment,” he said.
The Minister also commended the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) for its role in improving trade efficiency, highlighting the success of 24-hour border operations at Lavumisa and ongoing plans to extend operating hours at the Matsamo border post.
On legislative reforms, he welcomed the recent flighting of the Immigration Bill, saying it would play a critical role in supporting investment and trade while aligning immigration policy with economic development objectives.
The Minister said the positive ranking reinforces Eswatini’s upward economic trajectory and provides a strong foundation for job creation and sustained growth.