The Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) has introduced two digital intelligence tools to support trade and investment-led economic growth in Eswatini. The Eswatini Investment Attractiveness Dashboard and Market Intelligence Dashboard were launched by Minister for Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo at the Royal Villas in Ezulwini. These tools were developed in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and supported financially by the European Union (EU).
The Eswatini Investment Attractiveness Dashboard brings together economic, trade, investment, and business-environment indicators to assess and promote Eswatini's investment potential. This tool will enable the government to strengthen its evidence base for investment promotion efforts and identify areas of opportunity. It will also provide investors with an accessible way to understand the country's investment environment.
The second platform, the Market Intelligence Dashboard, offers practical market information and access to selected ITC tools and resources. This will assist businesses in exploring international markets, identifying opportunities, and understanding market requirements. Minister Khumalo emphasized the importance of these tools in creating an enabling environment for business and industry, enhancing export competitiveness, and attracting investment.
The partnership behind these digital tools brings together different roles, with the EU providing support, ITC contributing international expertise and trade intelligence, EIPA providing the institutional platform and connections to businesses and investors, and the government providing the policy and enabling environment. Minister Khumalo highlighted that information and access to reliable information have become fundamental economic assets in the modern economy.
The launch of these digital tools represents a significant development in strengthening Eswatini's ability to pursue trade and investment-led economic growth. Minister Khumalo stressed that the ability to access, interpret, and act on credible information can influence business decisions, investment choices, and government policy design. These tools will support the ministry's mandate of creating an enabling environment for business and industry.
The Eswatini Investment Attractiveness Dashboard and Market Intelligence Dashboard will provide businesses with easier access to information relevant to their investment decisions and market exploration. Minister Khumalo encouraged businesses to move beyond simply asking what they could export and instead ask where there was demand for what they produced and what requirements needed to be met.
The introduction of these digital tools is expected to enhance Eswatini's trade and investment landscape. The tools will help the country become more deliberate in identifying demand and matching it with products and services that local businesses can competitively supply. This development is a significant step towards achieving trade and investment-led economic growth in Eswatini.
Key points
- EIPA launches two digital tools to support trade and investment-led economic growth in Eswatini.
