Africa-Press – Eswatini. Standard Bank Eswatini Chief Executive (CE) Mvuselelo Fakudze has outlined a bold strategy to position local companies as the engines of Eswatini’s economic growth, aiming to attract international investors.
Speaking during the E500 000 sponsorship handover for the upcoming Eswatini Investment Conference 2026 (EIC), on March 30, 2026, Fakudze emphasized that “charity begins at home.” He stressed that local institutions must first reinvest in national projects before inviting international partners to follow.
“It is very strategic and deliberate for us as a bank to participate and help economic growth through our various business units,” Fakudze said. He highlighted the bank’s support for large-scale national projects, including the Mkhondvo-Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Project (MNWAP), funded by the African Development Bank and World Bank, and the Strategic Fuel Oil Reserve.
By ensuring local businesses actively participate—from construction companies to suppliers of cement, sand, and other materials—the bank aims to create a robust domestic investment base.
This sends a strong signal to international investors that Eswatini is open, capable, and ready for high-value projects.
Fakudze noted that large infrastructure projects not only secure essential national resources but also provide opportunities for youth employment and SME growth. “If the fuel reserve project was already live, we wouldn’t be experiencing the fuel shortages seen recently,” he said.
Beyond infrastructure, the bank is committed to financing local supply chains. It provides commercial debt and financial solutions to firms of all sizes to ensure they can deliver on national projects and attract further private-sector participation.
By positioning local companies at the forefront, Eswatini sends a clear message to the global investment community: “Africa is our home, and we drive her growth. Locally, Eswatini is our home, and we are committed to its success.”
The EIC 2026 will provide the platform for this vision, showcasing capital-ready opportunities across energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and agriculture. Local businesses will have the chance to collaborate with regional and international investors.
