The construction industry has challenged government to stop sidelining local companies and ensure Swati contractors receive first preference in the awarding of public infrastructure projects.
The call was made during the Construction Industry Council (CIC) Stakeholder Forum 2026, where industry leaders argued that empowering local contractors is critical to growing the economy, creating jobs and building a competitive construction sector.
Eswatini Contractors Association (ECA) Secretary General Percy Mazibuko said government must ensure that public tenders are awarded fairly and transparently, with merit, not personal interests; guiding procurement decisions.
“We are calling for a transparent tendering process. Awards must be based on merit, not personal interests, to ensure fair opportunities for Emaswati contractors,” said Mazibuko.
He said local contractors continue to face barriers despite having the capacity to deliver major infrastructure projects, stressing that public investment should first benefit Swati businesses before opportunities are extended elsewhere.
Mazibuko also criticised divisions within the industry, saying unhealthy competition and the tendency by some contractors to undermine one another were slowing the sector’s growth.
He further warned that inconsistent contract rates and rising operational costs were squeezing contractors, making it increasingly difficult for local firms to remain profitable and competitive.
The association, he said, will continue engaging government and other stakeholders to find solutions that reduce business costs and strengthen the viability of local construction companies.
Mazibuko also called for greater inclusion of women, saying the construction industry must create more opportunities for women to participate as contractors, professionals and entrepreneurs.
“There must be equal opportunities for women in the construction industry,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Eswatini Association of Construction Consultants (EACC) pledged to move beyond planning and begin implementing programmes that improve professionalism and project delivery across the sector.
Speaking on behalf of the association, Sibusiso Dlamini said consultants remain central to ensuring infrastructure projects are properly planned, fairly procured and delivered to the required standards.
He said EACC’s strategic focus is centred on sustainability, organisational effectiveness and stronger industry advocacy to support the country’s infrastructure agenda.
Dlamini, however, admitted that the association still lacks locally developed professional standards in some areas and continues to rely on standards adopted from neighbouring South Africa.
“We are still working with stakeholders to develop our own standards. At the moment, we are using those borrowed from South Africa,” he said.
He said developing local standards would strengthen the industry’s professionalism and ensure infrastructure projects are delivered in line with Eswatini’s own development priorities.
