Eswatini, Taiwan strengthen economic ties with visionary partnership
By Siphesihle Dlamini
Eswatini and Taiwan are forging a stronger economic partnership that promises to transform the Kingdom’s development trajectory.
At a high-profile business seminar held in Mbabane, Hilton Garden Inn in Mbabane on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, government and industry leaders unveiled plans for a groundbreaking Taiwan Innovation and Business Park in Phocweni, signalling a new era of collaboration focused on technology, manufacturing, and trade.
Manqoba Khumalo, Minister for Commerce, Industry and Trade, delivered a keynote address that underscored the significance of this partnership and its transformative potential for Eswatini’s economic landscape.
Minister Khumalo opened his address by expressing his honour in speaking at the seminar and highlighted the multiple engagements between Eswatini and Taiwan this year, all aimed at fostering trade and investment.
He praised the Government of the Republic of China Taiwan for its unwavering commitment to Eswatini’s economic development agenda.
“The latest partnership has manifested in the form of the Taiwan Innovation and Business Park which will be built in Phocweni, an initiative that received the blessing of His Majesty King Mswati III earlier this year,” he said.
This Innovation and Business Park is poised to be a game-changer, providing Taiwanese companies with a strategic working space to access regional markets with ease from Eswatini.
Khumalo emphasised that this project is part of Eswatini’s broader ambition to become a manufacturing hub for the region.
“This is the third mission we have received this year from Taiwan, and we are putting our efforts into turning these missions into real tangible projects for economic development,” he added.
The minister outlined several key sectors where opportunities abound for collaboration. He described Eswatini as offering a “unique landscape for diverse economic activities,” supported by a steadfast commitment to creating a conducive environment for trade.
He noted that various incentives for foreign investors would be detailed by the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority during the seminar.
Highlighting Taiwan’s global leadership in technology and innovation, Minister Khumalo invited Taiwanese businesses to share their expertise and invest in Eswatini’s growing industries.
“This will not only boost our economy but also enhance technological advancement in Eswatini,” he remarked. He also pointed to agriculture as the backbone of Eswatini’s economy and expressed keen interest in collaborations in agro-processing technology.
“The strength that Taiwan has in the food processing and packaging space deserves our attention, and hence we want to host companies in this area,” he said.
Tourism was another sector identified for growth through bilateral cooperation. Minister Khumalo referenced recent engagements between tourism stakeholders of both nations aimed at increasing tourist traffic.
“Given our rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, partnering in tourism can unlock new avenues for growth,” he stated, envisioning joint ventures that would benefit both countries economically.
In a call to action, the Minister urged businesses present at the seminar to think creatively about partnership opportunities that would foster sustainable development and mutual prosperity.
He highlighted several government initiatives designed to attract and support investors, including the Permanent Resident by Investment program and the operational business one-stop shop.
The Permanent Resident by Investment program aims to provide long-term certainty for investors to live and work in Eswatini.
Minister Khumalo further expressed heartfelt gratitude to Taiwan for its commitment to making Eswatini an investment home.
“Together, we can build a brighter future through innovation, investment, and cooperation,” he affirmed, emphasising that active participation in Eswatini’s economy is essential for shaping a shared economic future.