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By Delisa Magagula
Eswatini has officially emerged as a preferred investment destination for Taiwanese textile manufacturers, positioning the Southern African nation at the center of a strategic regional realignment in global textile production.
As geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties mount globally, particularly in the West and across key Asian markets, Taiwanese manufacturers are actively seeking alternative production hubs.
The goal is to mitigate risk, diversify supply chains, and ensure stable access to global markets. Eswatini, with its strong bilateral ties, investor-friendly climate, and deepening international relations, has caught their attention.
This growing interest recently prompted the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to engage in high-level discussions with Business Eswatini (BE), the country’s foremost private sector advocacy organization. Their mission is to fast-track critical investments and ensure operational readiness within a tight three-month timeframe.
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A closed-door meeting was held earlier this week between Business Eswatini and top Taiwanese officials Carlos Litt and Jeff Chen from the Taiwanese Embassy signaling a clear intention to deepen commercial ties.
The two sides explored practical ways to accelerate the entry of Taiwanese textile companies into Eswatini’s industrial landscape, particularly within the Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
“This is not just a visit. It is an urgent mission. Taiwanese manufacturers are facing increasing production risks due to global instability. Eswatini offers a rare blend of political stability, preferential trade access, and genuine hospitality. But we must move quickly. If concrete plans are not in place within the next three months, these investors may be forced to look elsewhere.” he said.
The engagement followed the recent Taiwan Invest More Seminar convened at Mountain View Hotel and organised by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade. The seminar brought together Taiwanese investors, government officials, and Eswatini’s business community to exchange ideas and outline concrete next steps.
The Taiwanese delegation stated that the rapidly evolving global landscape marked by trade tariffs, protectionist policies, and shifting geopolitical alliances has created a fertile environment for new investment opportunities in Africa.
“With the rewriting of global trade rules and emerging barriers, many Taiwanese manufacturers are seeking new homes for their production lines. Africa, particularly Eswatini, is increasingly becoming part of that conversation,” said Carlos Litt.
According to the Embassy, several Taiwanese companies already operating in other regional countries are looking to partially relocate production to Eswatini.
The appeal lies in Eswatini’s favourable trade agreements including the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) with the United States along with its robust political stability, transparent investment policies, and a direct call from His Majesty King Mswati III for foreign investment.
Business Eswatini CEO E. Nathi Dlamini described the engagement as strategic, timely, and aligned with their mandate of boosting foreign direct investment (FDI), job creation, and industrial development.
“We are entering a new era. One where Eswatini must boldly step into the global spotlight. The interest from Taiwan isn’t coincidental. It is the result of sustained diplomatic engagement, clear policy direction, and a growing awareness that Eswatini is open for business.” he said.
Dlamini also highlighted the work already underway by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Finance. Both ministries have been formulating investor-focused strategies and incentives, which he says have laid the groundwork for this Taiwanese interest.
“The government has been proactive. Our ministries have been working behind the scenes to ensure our value proposition is compelling. This Taiwanese engagement is not just a lucky break it’s the fruit of years of foundational work.” said Minister Manqoba Khumalo.
The Embassy also revealed plans to host an investment seminar in Johannesburg, South Africa, aimed at showcasing Eswatini’s trade advantages to an even wider investor audience.
This seminar is expected to feature a delegation of Taiwanese manufacturers and explore investment opportunities in textiles, agro-processing, and light manufacturing.
Dlamini praised the Embassy of Taiwan for its proactive engagement and called it a model for economic diplomacy. He noted that the collaboration was a clear demonstration of the power of strong public-private partnerships in driving national development.
“Economic diplomacy is no longer a luxury it’s a necessity,” he said. “And our relationship with Taiwan is proof that when diplomacy is done right, it yields tangible economic results.” he added.
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The Business Eswatini chief also made it clear that Eswatini’s international standing is stable and improving, referencing a recent meeting with the United States Embassy where trade assurances were reaffirmed.
“We continue to enjoy solid diplomatic ties with key global economies; these relationships are helping open doors for our industrial sector. We must now walk through those doors with purpose.” he said.
Among the key next steps discussed was the fast-tracking of factory shell availability. With limited time to demonstrate Eswatini’s readiness, BE has committed to working closely with government ministries to identify and prepare industrial spaces suitable for immediate investment.
“The Taiwanese companies are ready. The capital is ready. Now it’s about execution,” said Dlamini.
The meeting concluded with both parties committing to ongoing engagement, regular investment updates, and clear timelines to ensure that the momentum is not lost.
As Eswatini courts this new wave of investment from Taiwan, the message is clear that the country is not just passively waiting for foreign capital it is actively building the scaffolding for a diversified, resilient, and globally connected economy.
“Business Eswatini remains at the forefront, driving partnerships that translate into real progress for the nation, with this opportunity, we believe Eswatini is on the cusp of something transformational.” Dlamini said.
