Eswatini's quarry stone production experienced a significant increase of 158.8% during the first quarter of 2026, according to the Central Bank of Eswatini's June 2026 Quarterly Review. This growth was primarily driven by a surge in construction activity across the country, with the construction industry expanding by 33.3% year-on-year during the quarter. The sharp increase in quarry stone production provided a major boost to the country's mining and quarrying industry, contributing to stronger economic growth.
The construction industry's growth accelerated significantly from the 11.8% recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025, indicating a growing demand for construction materials. Major public and private infrastructure developments are underway, including the construction of the Central Bank of Eswatini headquarters, the Mpakeni Dam under the Mkhondvo-Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Programme, and the Phuzumoya Strategic Oil Reserve. These projects, along with other infrastructure and property developments, are generating significant activity across the economy.
The Central Bank of Eswatini noted that the stronger construction activity also benefited manufacturing subsectors producing materials required by the building industry. Manufacturing expanded by 12.4% year-on-year during the first quarter, reversing a 1.2% contraction recorded in the preceding quarter. The growth was mainly attributed to stronger demand and increased activity in key manufacturing subsectors, particularly the manufacturing of non-metal mineral products and metal products.
The mining and quarrying subsector expanded by 8.5% during the quarter, compared with 6.0% in the preceding quarter. Within the subsector, quarry stone production's significant increase was partly offset by weaker coal output, which declined by 6.7% due to heavy rainfall disrupting mining operations. Gold production, however, increased by a modest 3.0%.
The Central Bank of Eswatini's Quarterly Review highlights the growing relationship between construction activity and quarry stone production. The surge in quarry stone production is a clear indication of this relationship, with the Central Bank directly attributing the growth to heightened construction activity. The construction industry's acceleration and the subsequent growth in quarry stone production demonstrate the positive impact of infrastructure development on the country's economy.
Eswatini's economy has shown resilience, with various sectors contributing to its growth. The country's business environment has been favorable, with companies like MTN Group investing in the country. The Eswatini Investment and Promotion Agency (EIPA) has also launched digital tools to support trade and investment.
The growth in quarry stone production and the construction industry is expected to have a positive impact on Eswatini's economy, contributing to its overall expansion. The country's economy expanded by 6.1% in the first quarter, outpacing most of its SACU peers. With continued investment in infrastructure and other sectors, Eswatini is poised for sustained economic growth.
Key points
- Quarry stone production in Eswatini surged by 158.8% in the first quarter of 2026.
- The construction industry expanded by 33.3% year-on-year during the quarter.
- Manufacturing growth reversed a previous contraction, expanding by 12.4% year-on-year.
