Eswatini reviews trading licences to boost business efficiency
By Delisa Magagula
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade has begun consultations with key stakeholders to review the Trading Licences Order of 1975.
According to the Ministry this move is aimed at modernizing Eswatini’s business regulatory framework to align with the country’s current economic realities.
The consultative meeting, held in Mbabane, brought together representatives from business associations, federations, chambers of commerce, municipal and town councils, private sector actors, and consumer organizations.
The discussions focused on creating a more enabling and efficient environment for business operations, investment, and enterprise development.
Speaking during the session, Under Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Phesheya Dube said the review of the decades-old Order was long overdue, given the significant transformation of the country’s business landscape since 1975.
“The Trading Licences Order has served the country for nearly 50 years. While it was relevant at the time, the economic and technological environment has changed dramatically.
We are now working to ensure that our licensing framework supports competitiveness, ease of doing business, and inclusive growth,” Dube said.
He emphasized that the Ministry’s goal is to simplify and modernize licensing procedures while reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks that often discourage entrepreneurship, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The review of the Trading Licences Order forms part of broader government efforts to make Eswatini a more attractive destination for investment. According to the Ministry, the proposed reforms will seek to:
Simplify licensing processes to reduce the time and cost of registration
Eliminate outdated and restrictive provisions that no longer reflect the realities of today’s economy; and
Foster an enabling environment that supports enterprise growth and fair competition.
Nkambule noted that the revision is aligned with Eswatini’s strategic objectives under the National Development Plan, which seeks to improve the country’s business climate and stimulate private sector-led growth.
“Our aim is to ensure that the licensing framework speaks to modern business practices.
We are focusing on transparency, efficiency, and accessibility, especially for youth and women who are increasingly venturing into trade and services,” he added.
In addition to reviewing the licensing framework, the Ministry is also drafting the Shop Trading Hours Regulations, a new set of guidelines expected to promote flexibility in retail operations, enhance consumer convenience, and stimulate economic activity beyond conventional business hours.
The regulations will allow businesses greater freedom to determine trading hours in accordance with consumer demand and market trends. The Ministry believes this could open new opportunities for employment, particularly in the retail, tourism, and hospitality sectors.
“Extended trading hours not only serve consumers better but also create space for new business models, especially in urban areas where demand patterns are evolving. We are looking at ways to balance flexibility with fair labour practices,” explained Dube.
Meanwhile, the private sector has welcomed the government’s decision to revisit the existing trade laws. Eswatini Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) CEO, Ncamiso Simelane, said the business community has long advocated for reforms to streamline licensing and compliance requirements.
“For years, businesses have struggled with outdated licensing procedures that slow down operations and discourage investment. We view this review as a step in the right direction.
A modern and transparent system will improve business confidence and attract both local and foreign investors,” said Simelane.
Simelane also commended the Ministry for engaging industry players early in the review process, noting that consultation is critical to ensuring the new law addresses real challenges faced by entrepreneurs.
“The inclusion of diverse voices from SMEs to large corporations will ensure the new framework is practical and inclusive. We hope this will also encourage informal traders to transition into the formal economy,” he added.
Municipal leaders have also expressed optimism about the proposed changes. Mbabane City Council Chief Executive Officer, Gciniwe Fakudze said aligning trading hours and licensing systems with modern needs could enhance urban economic activity and revenue collection.
“Local authorities depend heavily on licensing for revenue, but the current system is cumbersome, Simplification and digitalisation of licensing will not only improve compliance but also help councils support small traders more effectively,” Fakudze said.
The Ministry has identified youth and women entrepreneurs as key beneficiaries of the reforms. Many operate small retail outlets, beauty salons, and service-oriented businesses that are often hindered by licensing delays and restrictions.
“By reducing red tape and allowing longer operating hours, we hope to empower young and female entrepreneurs to grow their enterprises. Our goal is to make it easier for them to formalize their businesses and access financing,” Dube said.
The Ministry will compile feedback from the consultations and draft the revised Trading Licences Bill for presentation to Cabinet before it proceeds to Parliament for approval.
Stakeholders are also expected to participate in additional review sessions before the legislation is finalized.
“The process is participatory because the business community and the public are directly affected by these laws. We are building a modern, responsive, and inclusive regulatory system that will strengthen Eswatini’s competitiveness in the region,” Dube said.
The review marks one of the most significant steps in Eswatini’s on-going efforts to improve its business environment and attract investment.
Once implemented, the new framework is expected to streamline business registration, stimulate entrepreneurship, and create a more vibrant and resilient economy.
