Zambia and Eswatini Forge Stronger Investment and Trade Partnership
The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) and Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) have solidified their commitment to boosting economic ties through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
This strategic agreement outlines joint efforts to expand investment and trade relations, focusing on enhancing institutional capacity and facilitating business linkages between Zambia and Eswatini.
Key areas of collaboration under the MoU include investment promotion, trade facilitation, and shared access to valuable information on trade policies, regulations, and investment opportunities.
Both ZDA and EIPA will foster connections among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in both nations, encouraging local exporters to tap into each other’s markets. They will also focus on technical expertise exchange, training, and capacity-building initiatives that serve mutual growth interests.
During the signing, ZDA Board Chairperson Biemba Maliti urged both parties to implement the MoU strategically, underscoring the potential to bolster private sector engagement through targeted initiatives such as investment summits, trade missions, and clear cross-border investment guidelines.
“We can enhance our bilateral trade agreements to attract mutual investment,” said Professor Maliti, pointing out the unique economic strengths of each country and the potential for synergy.
ZDA Director General Albert Halwampa echoed this commitment, identifying sectors such as agriculture, tourism, energy, and infrastructure development as primary areas of focus.
“This MoU is a testament to our resolve to improve trade and investments between our countries and the region,” said Mr. Halwampa, emphasizing the broader regional benefits of the partnership.
EIPA Board Chairperson Theo Hlophe hailed the agreement as a “milestone” that should extend beyond agency collaboration to foster broader country-to-country relationships.
EIPA CEO Sibani Mngomezulu added that this partnership is poised to create “seamless” cooperation and expressed optimism that the two countries could capitalize on their strategic geographic positioning as land-linked nations to foster trade and investment.
