Africa-Press – Eswatini. The highly anticipated development of Eswatini’s largest and most modern shopping mall has taken a major step forward with the announcement of Stefanutti Stocks as the successful bidder for Phase I of the project.
The announcement was made on Friday by the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Hon. Manqoba Khumalo, during a press briefing held in Manzini.
The Minister confirmed that Stefanutti Stocks, a local contractor, had been awarded the tender to carry out the earthworks and revamp of the existing Manzini Bus Terminus, a critical first phase of the transformative infrastructure development.
The estimated cost of Phase I is E150 million, and completion is scheduled for November 2025.
“We are pleased to announce that a local contractor has been selected to carry out the first phase of this ambitious project. This is in line with government’s commitment to empowering local companies and ensuring skills and economic benefits remain within the country,” said Minister Khumalo.
The broader mall project, which is set to become Eswatini’s largest and one of the finest in the region, will be developed in phases and is expected to reach completion by October 2027.
Minister Khumalo commended Shenge Group, the project developers, formerly known as Ntwese Investments, for their vision, consistency, and commitment to local empowerment. He also thanked the City of Manzini for embracing and supporting the initiative.
Shenge’s Executive Director, Tony Sousa, provided background on the selection process, noting that it had been a rigorous and consultative exercise.
He shared that their team had the privilege of visiting His Majesty King Mswati III during the planning stages, where His Majesty underscored the importance of awarding the project to a local contractor.
“The visit to His Majesty was a defining moment for this project. His guidance that a local company be used for this national development was taken to heart, and we are proud to be executing that directive,” Sousa stated.
While Stefanutti Stocks will carry out the first phase, the awarding of the main contractor for the full-scale development is expected within the next two months.
Once complete, the mall will not only reshape the commercial landscape of Manzini but also create hundreds of jobs, stimulate local enterprises, and improve public transport facilities in the heart of the city.
“This project represents a turning point for urban development in Eswatini,” Minister Khumalo added.
“We urge the public to support it and look forward to unveiling a world-class commercial centre that Emaswati can be proud of.”
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