Eswatini businesses flout laws
Nearly seven in 10 inspected firms failed to meet legal or regulatory standards.
Government inspectors visited 3226 businesses across Eswatini and found 69.4 per cent non-compliant with laws. This means approximately 2239 businesses failed to meet legal or regulatory requirements. The inspections, which began on May 5, 2026, focused heavily on the retail sector, which accounts for 68.9 per cent of all businesses checked.
Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Senator Manqoba Khumalo stated on Thursday, November 12, 2026, that the exercise was not targeted at any specific group. He acknowledged that some foreign business operators may need more time to comply with Eswatini's laws, rather than facing immediate closure.
The inspections cover laws including the Trading Licences Order of 1975, the Immigration Act of 1982, and the Income Tax Order of 1975. The Ministry has not yet released a breakdown of specific offences or the number of businesses that have been closed as a result of the inspections.