By Siphesihle Dlamini
The Central Bank of Eswatini (CBE) has achieved a landmark success with its E4 billion Government of Eswatini Bond listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), garnering not only vital capital for the nation but also international acclaim.
This milestone has placed Eswatini in the spotlight, as the bond listing has been shortlisted for prestigious accolades at the Global Banking & Markets Africa Awards 2025.
Global Banking and Markets, a leading institution renowned for its universal banking model and seamless global service network, has highlighted the significance of the E400 million inaugural protea bond issuance, which followed the listing.
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This bond issuance is in contention for three major categories: Sovereign, Supra & Agency Bond Deal of the Year, Debut SSA Bond Deal of the Year, and High Yield Debt Deal of the Year.
The awards, hosted annually by Global Banking and Markets, are designed to celebrate groundbreaking and innovative financial transactions involving Sovereign, Corporate, and Financial Institution issuers and borrowers.
John Harrison, Head of Editorial at Global Banking and Markets, expressed his excitement about the upcoming event.
“We are delighted to announce that we will be bringing the industry back together for our Awards, which will be held at the Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town, on 26 March 2025,” Harrison said.
The nomination of Eswatini’s bond highlights the remarkable strides made by the country in leveraging international financial platforms to bolster its economy.
In 2024, the Eswatini Government, through the CBE, successfully listed an E4 billion bond on the JSE’s ‘Protea Bond’ segment.
This platform is specifically designed for South African-denominated bond issuances by foreign governments, offering a unique opportunity for international investment.
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The first issuance under this program—the E400 million bond—has already demonstrated the tangible benefits of this strategic move, with funds raised channelled towards critical national development projects.
The Protea Bond initiative not only enhances Eswatini’s visibility in international capital markets but also strengthens its financial framework, creating a robust foundation for future economic growth.
Dr. Melvin Khomo, Director of Financial Markets at the CBE, emphasized the importance of this recognition in elevating Eswatini’s financial standing on the global stage.
“This nomination underscores our commitment to innovation and excellence in financial management.
It also demonstrates the confidence of international investors in Eswatini’s economic prospects,” he remarked.
