The Kingdom of Swaziland has joined a number of
COMESA countries in the pursuit for economic growth
by promoting the development of Free Zones through the
legislation of the Special Economic Zones Act of 2018.
The zones are expected to leverage Swaziland’s Trade with
COMESA countries.
Special Economic Zones Designation
To further diversify into new sectors, the Government has
designated two sites as Special Economic Zones. The fi rst of
these is the Royal Science and Technology Park which will
leverage biotech industries and high value agri-business, and
is strategically located in proximity to the country’s biggest
industrial estate and rail inland-dry port in Matsapha.
The second demarcated SEZ site is the newly developed
King Mswati III International Airport which seeks to attract
companies in manufacturing, tourism, logistics, etc. by
providing special concessions. More SEZs will be designated
in the future comprising of developer and operator licenses.
Some SEZ Incentives
Primarily, companies located in areas designated as SEZs
benefi t from a number of incentives which include, but not
limited to:
• Exemption from corporate tax for the fi rst 20 years;
thereafter, a corporate tax shall be fi xed at a rate of 5%;
• Remission of customs duty, value added tax and any
other tax payable on raw materials, equipment and machinery
for export products; and
• Exemption from foreign exchange control or restrictions
for activities carried on in a SEZ.
Swaziland ICT Sector Fully Liberalised; Government
Grants Second Mobile Telecommuniation License
Pursuant to its commitment to increase competition and,
ultimately, effi ciency in the telecommunications industry, the
Government of the Kingdom of Swaziland granted a license
to a second mobile network operator. The grant has already
had a positive impact in the reduction of ICT tariffs and
effi ciencies in the ICT industry in Swaziland for the benefi t
of consumers.
Reasons to Invest in Swaziland
• Extended access to large regional and international
markets;
• Relatively well skilled and trainable human capital;
• Reliable and affordable utility services i.e. portable water
and stable electricity;
• Excellent road and communication infrastructure i.e.
fully digital, fi bre optic telecommunication systems; road and
rail networks enabling cross border trade; and
• Proximity to strategic international sea and air ports.
For more information on investment and trading in
Swaziland, contact us:
Tel: (+268)2404 0470/2/3/4
Fax: (+268) 2404 3374
Email: [email protected] (Operations)
[email protected] (Administration)
Website: www.sipa.org.sz