By Zamandulo Ntshalintshali
Standard Bank Eswatini has boldly committed to the country’s economic future by injecting E300,000 into the upcoming Eswatini Investment Conference, slated for 14–15 May 2025.
This historic move positions the bank as a key enabler of Eswatini’s developmental agenda and signals its confidence in the country’s investment potential.
The announcement was made during a sponsorship handover event where leaders from the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) and other key partners gathered to officially affirm the bank’s role as a strategic partner for the inaugural investment conference.
EIPA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sibani Mngomezulu, expressed deep gratitude for Standard Bank’s timely support.
“Standard Bank was one of the first companies we approached. And once they came on board, our planning for the conference became much easier. This partnership has given us credibility in our conversations with the government and other prospective partners,” he said.
Mngomezulu highlighted the pivotal role the conference is expected to play in advancing the Kingdom’s ambitious growth targets. He noted that the Eswatini Investment Conference is a direct response to His Majesty King Mswati III’s call, which challenges the nation to stimulate economic development and create jobs.
The conference aims to attract local and international investors to explore opportunities in key sectors such as agriculture, energy, and manufacturing.
“This initiative is ultimately about positioning Eswatini as the preferred investment destination in Southern Africa,” Mngomezulu said. “We have investors flying in from the UAE, Asia, Europe, and various parts of Africa. Our job is to showcase Eswatini’s potential. And having credible local partners like Standard Bank is crucial in this journey.”
Standard Bank Eswatini’s Chief Executive (CE), Mvuselelo Fakudze, reaffirmed the institution’s longstanding commitment to the Kingdom, highlighting that the bank’s relationship with Eswatini dates back to 1974.
“Over the years, we’ve grown with the country, supporting key sectors such as sugar, energy, and trade. Our investment in this conference is just another way we are demonstrating our belief in Eswatini’s potential,” Fakudze said.
He added that Standard Bank’s Pan-African footprint and asset base of over R3 trillion has positioned it as the bank of choice for investors across the continent.
“We don’t just provide banking solutions. We enable growth. And we’ve made the strategic decision to focus on Africa because we believe in its future—and Eswatini is part of that future,” he said.
Fakudze also spoke to the practical role Standard Bank plays in facilitating investment flows into and out of Eswatini.
“We support exchange control processes, repatriation of profits, and facilitate trade with major markets. Our systems are built to support both local entrepreneurs and international investors,” he said.
The Eswatini Investment Conference is expected to be a landmark event, with a gala dinner on 14 May and a full day of panels and networking sessions on 15 May. EIPA hopes the event will catalyze investment commitments and new partnerships that will drive job creation and economic growth.