Industrial Policy for Eswatini 2023-2033.

The Industrial Policy for 2023–2033 is a nationwide sectoral document that updates the National Industrial Development Policy 2015–2022 using the “Enhancing the Quality of Industrial Policies” (EQuIP) methodology - an international tool that supports governments in designing effective industrial policies through a systematic, step-by-step, goal-oriented approach mapping all key policy components. The Policy’s Vision is that, by 2033, the industrial sector will be diversified toward high value-added products, generating decent jobs and equal opportunities for all, while promoting environmental sustainability and strengthening economic resilience for the benefit of the local population.
The Policy outlines the following objectives (i) maximizing domestic benefits by strengthening national value chains and increasing domestic production capacities, promoting local processing of raw materials, increasing domestic production capacity, reducing import dependence, creating jobs, and retaining economic value within the local economy; (ii) boosting value addition in resource-based sectors to ensure inclusive industrialization by enhancing processing, quality, and product differentiation, thereby generating higher-quality employment, strengthening value chains, fostering linkages across the economy, and promoting inclusive industrialization through broad participation and capacity building; (iii) enhancing economic resilience by diversifying production and export markets, reducing vulnerability to shocks, lowering exposure to price volatility, and enhancing the economy’s ability to recover and adapt to changing conditions; (iv) generating quality, well-paid, and stable employment by promoting productive and higher-wage sectors, thereby enhancing social cohesion, reducing poverty, and decreasing inequality; (v) promote green industrialization by supporting circular economy, waste management, and renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives. It also seeks to reduce pollution, optimize resource use, lower reliance on fossil fuels, and support sustainable growth while creating quality jobs and contributing to inclusive economic development.
The following Intervention Areas (IAs) and policy instruments - both existing and new - have been identified to support the initial phase of Industrial Policy implementation (i) enhancing access to finance by improving allocation mechanisms, notably through the Eswatini Agricultural Development Fund, alongside targeted financial schemes for women, youth, and persons with disabilities in resource-based sectors; (ii) strengthening access to information through the creation of an industrial platform to centralize data on manufacturing performance, competitiveness, and market intelligence; (iii) improving the regulatory framework, including provisions on foreign direct investment (FDI) to ensure benefits for the local economy and stronger linkages with domestic firms; (iv) promoting vertical integration of value chains through the establishment of an Agro-Industrial Park to link agricultural and industrial activities; (v) enhancing quality infrastructure by improving standardization, metrology, conformity assessment, and accreditation, particularly through MSME training; (vi) aligning skills development with industry needs by adapting curricula and technical training to manufacturing sector demands; and (vii) expanding locally produced renewable energy through targeted incentives and certification schemes to encourage investment and adoption of green energy.