Disasters, Conflicts and Migration

For a more detailed database on disasters by country, please see the Centre for Research on Epidemiology of Disasters Country Profile.

Seasonal Effects on Logistics Capacities

Eswatini has a one crop season which is in the summer months usually from August to April but due to the climatic change, the season trend has shortened and usually begins from October to March. During the crop season, depending on previous cropping year harvest most households face the leanest period in terms of food availability. Usually during this period food prices hike a bit considering the availability is only dependant on surpluses. Also, in terms of Logistics services roads are mostly damaged during this period due to rains.

The August to April period is one with most “Christian” holidays. These holidays normally have a huge impact on availability of contracted services including transport and other Logistics related services as most companies close for about 20 days between December and January. Also, the Easter holidays does lead to slow Logistics services as service providers observe these holidays same as they observe the December/January holidays. To add to the Christian holidays, there is usually some cultural activities (Incwala, Umhlanga and Buganu) which also affect the availability of transport for other Logistics Services.

Potential seasonal effects on miscellaneous commodity handling

Most grain crops are produced seasonally in the country mainly because they are mostly rain fed. Their availability throughout the year requires proper handling and storage to avoid spoilages and losses. Very few companies perform the drying and storage of maize grain. The handling and storage is mostly performed by individual farmers before grain is consumed by family members or some sold to the milling companies. The milling companies may perfume some minor but crucial grain handling and storage before processing and repackaging.

The production of grain crops in the country has not bean able to satisfy the country’s population demand. Maize for instance is produced in the maize belt area (Highveld, upper Middleveld and the Lubombo plateau) and there is considerable low production in the Middleveld and the Lowveld due to poor rainfall. This is followed by low productivity in terms of yield as a result of several factors such as pest infestation, poor agronomic practices and climate variation/extreme weather conditions.

Capacity and Contacts for In-Country Emergency Response

The National Disaster Management Act (DMA) was enacted in 2006 followed by a Disaster management policy in 2010. The act and the policy are key documents in DRR governance in the country. The Disaster Management Act 2006 gives NDMA its mandate and empowers the Deputy Prime Minister to be in charge of DRR whereas the Prime Minister (PM) is responsible for declaring a state of emergency during disasters. The Public Enterprise Unit (PEU) Control and Monitoring Act 1989 was used to establish NDMA as a parastatal.

The National Action Plan (NAP) for DRR (2008-2015) provides a framework for coordination of prevention and managing disasters. The plan is complemented by the National Multi-Hazard Contingency Plan (MHCP 2012–2015), which is renewed annually and offers a roadmap for the implementation of the Action Plan.  In addition, the DMA provides that Disaster Risk Management should be implemented within a sector wide approach coordinated by NDMA constituting of 9 clusters listed as follows: Agriculture and Food Security, Health and Nutrition, Education, Water Sanitation & Hygiene, Transport & Logistics, Protection, Emergency ICT, Environment, and Camp Coordination Emergency Shelter & None Food Items.

The National Multi Hazard Contingency Plan (MHCP) was developed through an inclusive and participatory process involving all sectors from Government, the United Nations Agencies, Non- Governmental Organizations and Private Sector representatives. The MHCP act as a guiding document whenever the country is faced with a threat of a particular hazard in order to deal with the impacts accordingly. 

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.

Currently military resources are not used. The country is peaceful and the response mechanism is running smooth there are no cases reported which may need the involvement of military/ civil defence. However, in the past few years the NDMA engaged the Royal Eswatini Police and Umbutfo Defence Force as skilled labours when building houses for storm affected households. The military and/ or civil works can be engaged in recovery and reconstruction of houses when the scale of the disaster is huge. They have all the necessary skills and equipment. Their involvement can minimise turnaround time and labour cost. More houses can be built in a short space of time.

For more information on humanitarian agency contact details, please see the following link: 4.2 Humanitarian Agencies Contact List.

National Marketing and Agricultural Board (NAMBOARD)

The National Marketing and Agricultural Board has three operational functions:

• Regulatory - This function is enabled by the Import and Export of scheduled agricultural products regulation notice No. 8 (Amendments) effective 1st June 2013. This also covers Quality Assurance where strict quality standards are implemented along with the monitoring of the quality of the farm produce from planting phase to post harvesting phase.

• Farmers Support and Development - operate a marketing extension service that forms part of farmer support and development through Marketing Extension Officers (MEOs).

• Encabeni Fresh Produce Market - run a fully-fledged farm input shop

NAMBOARD facilitates the markets for farmers in and outside the country and assists these farmers with production, processing, storage, transportation and, distribution of the produce and sale of the scheduled products.

Eswatini Dairy Board

This is a quasi-government agency that was established in 1971 under the Dairy Act No. 28 of 1968 to regulate and develop the dairy industry. Dairy Board is the agency that has been mandated with the responsibility of implementing and charging import levies on dairy, and the issuance of dairy import and export permits, as per section 25 of the Dairy Board Act. Dairy Board is also the agency mandated with implementing prohibition of import and exports of milk and milk products. The services and regulatory mandate of the Dairy Board include but not limited to;

• Dairy Development and Quality Control
• Artificial Insemination
• Dairy Processing
• Goat Milk Production
• Dairy Cattle Purchasing
• Hay Production
• Indigenous Cattle Dairying

Eswatini Standards Authority (ESWASA)

ESWASA was formed by the Government of Eswatini through the Quality and Standards Act (10) 2003, which gives the body the mandate of promoting standards and quality in local industry, commerce and the public sector and also empowers the Authority to be the sole custodian of all issues regarding standards and quality in Eswatini. The move to establish ESWASA was in-line with regional and international trends brought about by World Trade Organisation (WTO) initiatives aimed at eliminating tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade, and creating a neutral platform that will promote trade of quality goods and services across countries and economic blocks. Besides opening up global opportunities for trade, standardisation also ensures that imported and locally manufactured goods are not harmful to human and animal lives and the environment. The mandate and services of the Authority include holding the Database of Eswatini National Standards and other useful information in product and business development amongst other services which include but not limited to:

• Certification
• Product Testing - Food and product testing in microbiology. Testing performed in accordance to international standards.
• Calibration Services
• Standards Development and Standards Sales
• Training

Eswatini Department of Regulatory and Quality Infrastructure Development (RQID)

The Department of Regulatory and Quality Infrastructure Development (RQID) is tasked with the development of the legal and institutional framework and infrastructure for standardization, Technical Regulations, Quality Assurance, Accreditation and Metrology to achieve its mission.

The Department is composed of three Sections viz: Accreditation Section; Technical Regulatory Section. and Quality Promotion Section.

Main Responsibilities:

1. Accreditation - A National Accreditation Focal Point was established in this section to provide a link to accreditation for Eswatini Conformity Assessment bodies (CABs) to the SADC Accreditation Service (SADCAS) weblink - sadcas.org
2. Technical Regulatory Section - To prepare and administer a Technical Regulatory Framework that provides a common approach to the preparation, adoption and application of technical regulation by the central and local governments.
3. Quality Promotions Section- To establish the Quality Council and promote quality principles in all sectors of the economy to achieve high quality products and enhanced productivity.

The Ministry of Commerce Industry and Trade (MCIT)

This is the Ministry responsible for formulating policies and promulgation through the International Trade Department and is responsible for the implementation of the Trade Policy. The MCIT is also responsible for formulating policies and promulgation of laws and regulations that ensure fair trading a competitive environment in the economy of Eswatini. It is also responsible for developing a Regulatory and Quality Infrastructure to enhance and / or enable Eswatini products to compete favorably in the domestic and global market by demonstrating with set national and international standards and regulatory requirement. Additionally, MCIT is responsible for attracting, encouraging, facilitating and promoting local and foreign investment in Eswatini, while creating an enabling environment through streamlined and focused policies and legal instruments that will complement Government’s effort to growth of Small and Medium enterprises.

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade departments:

• The main role and objectives of the Ministry include the formulation of policies and promulgation of laws and regulations that ensure fair-trading and a competitive environment in the Eswatini economy.
• To develop a Regulatory and Quality Infrastructure  to enhance and / or enable Eswatini products to compete favorably in the domestic and global market by demonstrating  with set national and international standards and regulatory requirement
• Formulate and implement appropriate industrial development policies, establish service and administer industrial estates.
• To attract, encourage, facilitate and promote local and foreign investment in Eswatini.
• To create an enabling environment through streamlined and focused policies and legal instruments that will compliment Government's effort to stimulate growth of Small and Medium enterprises.
• To create trade opportunities and enhance export competitiveness.
• To promote the economic development of the people of Eswatini through capital formation by encouraging a sustainable management of cooperative enterprises

Departments under the Ministry

• Industry Department
• Investor Roadmap Unit
• Metrology Section
• Department of Regulatory and Quality Infrastructure Development
• Handicraft Promotion Department
• Small and Medium Enterprises unit
• Registration of Patents and Trade Marks
• International Trade Department
• Liquor Licensing
• Registrar of Companies
• Commerce Department
• Department of Cooperative Development

Ministry of Health

The Medicines and Regulatory Unit under the Ministry of Health is responsible for regulating the importation and exportation of pharmaceuticals in the country, as well as the retail of pharmaceuticals in the country. The Medicines and Regulatory Unit is also responsible for granting import permits to importers of pharmaceutical products. The Medicines and Regulatory Unit is responsible for implementing the Pharmaceutical Act of 1929.

The Road Transportation Department

Under the Ministry of Works, the department is responsible for the administration and regulation of the road transport industry through the permit issuance system. The Department is responsible for the enforcement of the Road transportation Act of 2007, which strongly touches on the transportation of goods in and out of the country. The Department regulates the transportation industry through the issuing of permits and is further responsible for the registration of transportation operators, including cross border, transport operators, the identification of non-tariff measures and inspecting transport to see if it up-to the required standard. 

Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM)

ESCCOM is the regulatory body responsible for regulating the communications sector in Eswatini, constituting of telecommunication services and networks, broadcasting services, postal services and the use and allocation of radio spectrum. It derives its mandate from the Swaziland Communications Commission Act 2013, the Electronic Communications Act 2009 and the Electronic Communications (Importation, Type Approval and Distribution of Communications Equipment) Regulations. Through the various legal documents ESCCOM is responsible for issuing the Permit for Re- Exportation of Communications Equipment, The Electronic Communications License, as well as the issuing the approval Electronic Communications Equipment Approval Certificate, amongst other things.

Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy (MNRE)

The MNRE has envisioned objective as drivers of its business to propel and foster the aforementioned vision and mission. The following strategic objectives are elucidated for the provision and management of resources for ensuring the optimal land use, mineral exploration, adequate water and energy to meet national aspirations:

• To set goals and strategies to facilitate the coordination and implementation of Government priorities as outlined in the NDS, PRSAP, MDGs and other national priorities within the Ministry’s portfolio.
• To develop, review and operationalise relevant policies ensuring optimal utilization of natural resources.
• To provide general management of land, minerals, water and energy resources.
• To provide surveying, mapping, land and real rights registration and valuation services for Government and other public entities.
• To provide facilities for ensuring access to sustainable energy and security of energy supply.
• To ensure optimal development, management and supply of adequate water resources in a sustainable manner.
• To explore and identify mineral targets with economic potential.
• To ensure extraction and value addition to mineral resources for sustainable development and;
• To develop relative policies, collect and maintain an up to-date database on land and natural resources.

The Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS)

 This is a semi-autonomous revenue administration agency, established through the Revenue Authority Act No. 1 of 2008. It operates within the broad framework of Government but outside of the civil service. ERS is responsible for the administration of Customs and Excise in the country, in accordance with the Customs and Excise Act of 1971. The Department is further responsible for revenue collection, which includes Customs revenue. ERA is also responsible for implementing prohibitions, restrictions and regulatory (for example, narcotics, unlicensed medicines, arms and ammunitions, pornography etc.). ERS is also entrusted with the responsibility of identifying and interdicting illegitimate trade (for example counterfeit or substandard goods; trade in endangered species - CITES obligations). As, the border agency, ERS is responsible for the trade facilitation in the country, as well as providing general export and import rules, as well as cross border procedures.

The Eswatini Revenue Service is a member of various international organisations, such as the World Customs Organization (WCO); the Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators (CATA) and the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF). Alliances with established revenue agencies such as the South African Revenue Service (SARS), the Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA) and the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) have also been pursued to this end.

The Eswatini Environmental Authority (EEA)

This is a quasi-Government entity that was formed to ensure that the environment in the Kingdom of Eswatini is treated in a proper way now and in the future. The EEA is responsible for ensuring that the atmosphere, water, soil, living resources, living conditions in human settlements, flora and energy sources amongst other things are not polluted. The EEA is responsible for the implementation of a number of legislations that affect cross border movement of goods including the Environmental Act of 2002, the Waste Regulations of 2000, the Genetically Modified Organisms Act and the Ozon Depleting Substances Regulations of 2003, amongst others. Through various legal instruments, the EEA is also responsible for issuing import and export permits for a number of goods including genetically modified goods, waste and waste products, and toxic substances, amongst others. 

For more information on regulatory departments and quality control laboratories’ contact details, please see the following links: 4.1 Government Contact List and 4.3 Laboratory and Quality Testing Company Contact List.

Eswatini is a member of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), which consists of what is now Eswatini, Lesotho, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa and was established in 1910. Importations between these countries are free of Customs and Excise duty with all importations to the Union being at a Common Customs external tariff. The revenue collected from those duties is pooled and shared under an agreed mechanism. Eswatini is also a member of both SADC and COMESA and goods originating from those countries also enjoy preferential Tariff rates. Full details of preferences and international trade agreements can be found here. Customs in Eswatini is administered by the SRA Customs and Excise Department in accordance with the Customs and Excise Act of 1971. The Department performs key functions for the country's development including:

• To collect the revenues due - Enforcement of controls to protect society
• Prohibitions, restrictions and regulatory (for example, narcotics, unlicensed medicines, arms and ammunitions, pornography etc.)
• To identify and interdict illegitimate trade (for example counterfeit or substandard goods; trade in endangered species - CITES obligations)
• Collection of trade statistics
• Trade facilitation

Goods imported into Eswatini from outside of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) are liable to Customs duty and for some classes of goods also Excise duty. Value Added Tax is also payable on imports both from SACU and elsewhere. Information for businesses importing to, or exporting from, Eswatini can be found here. Travellers entering Eswatini must make a declaration at one of our 14 border posts/points of entry. There also are (rebate) allowances for bona fide personal importations Excise duty is also payable on a small range of domestically produced goods (alcoholic drinks, cigarettes etc.).

Duties and Tax Exemption

For contact information regarding government custom authorities, please follow the link below: 

http://www.sra.org.sz/contact/contact-us.php

Emergency Response

sz201210-instrument-of-accession.pdf (wcoomd.org)

sz201210-note-verbal.pdf (wcoomd.org)

Exemption Regular Regime (Non-Emergency Response)

Customs and Excise Act 1971; VAT Act 2011, VAT Regulations 2012 and Schedule 4 to the Tariff, Rebate Items 406. The value added Tax ACT, 2011 (Act No. 12 of 2011) and The value added Tax regulations, 2012 (under section 84). Donor funded Aid Projects are exempt from Value Added Tax. Subsections (4), (5), (6), (7) and (8) shall apply to the donor agency and the contractor who is awarded donor funded projects.

What organizations are allowed to be operational in the country - Refer to the Ministry of Commerce Trade and Industry and SIPA which is a compilation of the types of goods which experience duty & tax exemption and those that do not.

Exemption Certificate Application Procedure

Exemption Certificate Document Requirements

• Rebate certificate from the International Trade Department of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade (ITD-MCIT)
• Letter of Donation from the Donor/if it is donor funded:-
• Tax Invoice referring to a specified aid funded contract (Contract name, contract number, project number, project under which the contract is financed)
• Original Invoice/gift certificate.

Customs Clearance Document Requirements

• Rebate certificate from the International Trade Department of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade (ITD-MCIT)
• Letter of Donation from the Donor/if it is donor funded:-
• Tax Invoice referring to a specified aid funded contract (Contract name, contract number, project number, project under which the contract is financed)
• Original Invoice/gift certificate

Transit Regime

A guarantee is required for the goods which is refundable upon exportation/exit from the country. Prepare a through transit declaration through your preferred Clearing Agent.

The kingdom of Eswatini is a landlocked country relying for port services on the Port of Durban in RSA and Port of Maputo in Mozambique which are key gate ways into the country through developed connecting road and rail infrastructure.

2.1.1 South Africa Port of Durban

2.1.2 Mozambique Port of Maputo

Key airport information may also be found at: http://worldaerodata.com/

The volume of passengers passing through the airport has over the years been around 60,000 per annum and commercial cargo at about 200 tons per year. There is only one air service provider, South African Airlink, which provides the only air connections between Eswatini and South Africa (Johannesburg). The target market has over the years been the corporate sector, charging high fares.

In terms of infrastructure, the King Mswati III International Airport (KM III IA), is the largest airport in the Kingdom with runway length of 3580 m. This airport can accommodate large and wide body aircraft such as the Boeing 777.  The airport has enough cargo facility and has cargo and ground handling agents. All commercial air traffic was transferred to this airport in 2014 when it was officially launched moving from the Matsapha airport. The Matsapha airport which is the second airport in the country is located at Matsapha and is mostly used for charter flights and private operations. It is a smaller airport than the KMIII IA with a runway length of 2,600 m. This is another airport which have access capacity for more charter flights, private operate and for use as a training academy.  The airport is strategically located close to the Matsapha industrial area and can be used for exports and imports.

The sector has also low general aviation activities. These include aerial works, crop spraying, pilot training, etc. There are quite few local aviators who have invested in this sector. The country also has no aviation maintenance organizations or aviation training organizations registered in Eswatini.

For aviation safety, security, economic and environment, the Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority has the overall oversight. It has a three solid Directorates responsible for the regulatory faction with qualified and experienced staff.  The oversight function is undertaken through professionally developed guidance material such as the aviation regulations, call circulators and orders issued by the Director General (CEO of ESWACAA) on the regular bases. In other words, there is a solid professional team of regulators which conduct oversight function on the sector to guarantee safe and secure operations and to ensure efficient and effectiveness of the sector.

The Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority (ESWACAA) as per the Civil Aviation Act No. 10 of 2009 is the ultimate authority mandated to regulate the sector and operate the two airports, including the airstrip at Nhlangano in the Shiselweni region of the country. There is only one operator for scheduled operation, South African Airlink, on the KM III IA – JNB route. In addition, there is also Royal Swazi National Airways Corporation which is the national airline responsible to operate the State aircraft and manages a ticket office that sells airline tickets. In addition, they provide ground handling operations to other operators.  In the near future, they intend to engage themselves in schedule operation.

Eswatini has Aviation Associates which has been the only ground handler in the Kingdom for many years. There are listed in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) as the ground handler in Eswatini. Through the years, they have established themselves as one of the reputable companies that can handle all type and sizes of aircraft and any nature of operation be it private business and or state/diplomatic business.

The overall national capacity can be summarized broadly as follows:

• Regulatory function: satisfactory since we have all the key Regulatory directorates, personnel, appropriate guidance material, robust procedures, equipment and budget to oversight the sector in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practice (SARPS).
• Airport Operation: airports have qualified management which is able to manage and operate the airports in compliance to ICAO. As indicated above, the airports are operating below capacity and there is room to operate the airport to full capacity. This means that there is access capacity which can be explored immediately with the available facilities.
• Ground handling services: the airports have ground handling equipment and agents that can service any aircraft on the ground. The ground handling agents have the requisite experience and expertise to conduct this function judging by the number and complexity of the operations they are handling.
• Scheduled operation: There is room for more operators to invest in scheduled and charter operation since only two operators, Airlink and Royal Swazi, provide these. So, more investments are encouraged in this regard.
• Land around KM III IA. Since at the new airport, KM III IA, there are no hangars, hotels, offices, etc, prospective investors are encouraged to consider investing around the airport area and this again presents an investment opportunity.
• Matsapha airport and its surrounding land. Matsapha airport has been earmarked as an Aviation Training Academy. In addition, the airport can be used for private charter operation. This again present investment opportunities. The land around the airport can be utilized to establish a retail and housing estate and this present investment opportunities.
• National Civil Aviation Policy. Eswatini has a civil aviation policy which encourages cooperation with the private sector towards its sustained development and growth.
• Human Resource matters. Eswatini through its scholarship programme continues to train aviation personnel. Any new investments in the sector will allow the absorption of these graduates into the sector by generating the much-needed employment and through the multiplier effect will result in sustained economic growth and development.

Some of the significant constraints are as follows:

• Serviceability of 4 fire trucks – the trucks are approaching their economic life and will need to be replaced. Funding is currently being sought from government and international partners.
• Construction of the parallel Taxi way at KM III IA – This is not an immediate problem based on the current traffic volume. However, in the event traffic improves significantly, there will be needing to construct the parallel taxi way in the future.
• Lack hydrant fueling line at KM III IA – In the absence of the hydrant fueling line, refueling at KM III IA is through bowsers.
• This can delay operation if the aircraft is huge or if more aircraft need to refuel. Investments in this line is determined by the number, type and size of aircraft to be serviced.
• Lack of office space and staff accommodation at KM III IA – There are serious efforts to engage government to provide budget for the construction of the office park and staff housing at KM III IA.

Despite all these constraints, the airport is fully operational and Jet A1 fuel is provided.

AIRLINES OPERATING 

The Eswatini government - through the Ministry of Public Works and Transport - holds a 60% controlling share in Eswatini Airlink (Manzini Matsapha), a joint venture company with Airlink (South Africa) (4Z, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo), which operates the flights on Eswatini Airlink's behalf. The airline currently has a 100% market share at Manzini Matsapha in terms of weekly seat capacity. It took over as Swaziland Airlink (SZL, Manzini King Mswati III Int'l) from Royal Swazi National Airways in 1999 and became Eswatini Airlink when the Kingdom changed its name in 2018.

Eswatini Air - the new regional airline brand of state-owned Royal Eswatini National Airways (RENAC) – plans to debut by the end of 2022 on Southern African regional routes using two EMB-145EPs. The airline was hoping to obtain its Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) from the Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority (EESWACAA) by the end of this March 2022.

As reported previously, RENAC last year purchased two 50-seater E145s previously operated by HOP! (France) (A5, Paris Orly). 3DC-EAA (msn 145043) were delivered to the Kingdom recently; and F-WTAF (msn 145152) currently in Johannesburg O.R. Tambo, South Africa for small refurbishments, whereafter it will reposition to Eswatini by April 2022.

Eswatini Air will operate as a regional airline, connecting from Manzini King Mswati III Int'l to four regional destinations initially: Johannesburg, Durban King Shaka, and Cape Town in South Africa; and Harare Int'l in Zimbabwe with exact frequencies yet been finalised.

The airline has no intercontinental aspirations but plan to gradually open more destinations in a three-to-four hour radius in the sub-Saharan region. It will seek to connect to major regional hubs, such as Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta and Kigali, and establish codeshares and interline partnerships with international airlines serving them. As the airline grows, it will extend its range and up-gauge but will aim to operate a simplified fleet for cost efficiency. 

Landing Application Form for the Kingdom of Eswatini (002).pdf

AC-AWS004- Application for Special Flight Permit.pdf

For more information on government agency and airport company contact information, please see the following links: 4.1 Government Contact List.

Procedures for Foreign Registered Aircraft

The steps for the registration of foreign aircraft are as follows:

After aircraft registration aircraft will immediately be inspected for issuance of C of A.

After aircraft registration aircraft will immediately be inspected for issuance of C of A.

Documents for the above are available on the ESWACAA website and additional documents are obtained from ESWACAA Offices.

For more information on procedures for foreign registered aircraft, please see the following attachments:

• ACOPS004 Foreign Operator Permit Application
• ESWACAA Foreign Operator Requirements
• Civil Aviation Authority Act, 2009
• Foreign Operator Permit Requirements

Overview

The Eswatini Railways connects the country to Four (4) Sea ports; 2 in South Africa and 2 in Mozambique. Ports of Durban, Richards Bay in South Africa and Maputo and Matola Ports in Mozambique through its north/south line. This line links these ports to the Matsapha Dry Port / Inland Container Depot (ICD) where bulk cargo imports are delivered into Eswatini including containers. The ICD is wholly owned and operated by Eswatini Railways (ESR) and was constructed in 1993 with assistance from the Taiwan government. It has a capacity of 500TEU and average receipt of three trains of 40 wagons weekly of Import and three trains of Export goods. Another ICD is being constructed called the Mpaka Inland Port in the Lubombo region initially planned for completion in March 2022.

ESR is in partnership and business agreements with South African rail under SADAC with headquarters in Zimbabwe. They are currently involved in development of a new rail project from Port of Durban to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Traffic stream for the ESR is 85% Transit cargo of metals and ores and 15% other goods that include Fuel Imports from South Africa and Wheat, while exports handled include Bulk Sugar and Coal.

The Matsapha ICD is the 2^nd biggest point of entry in terms of imports and Exports in the country after Ngwenya. Upon arrival of containers at the ICD, Eswatini railways provides a door to door service that delivers containers conveniently straight to the customers and containers back to the yard. It has a bonded warehouse and have all service providers on site, the revenue authority, forwarding and clearing agents and shipping lines like MSC and Safmarine. The main activity of the ICD is handling mainly goods coming from outside Southern African Customs Union (SACU) region which comprises Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa. The main stakeholders to the ICD are ESR and shipping lines like Maersk, MSC, CMA and CGM.

Eswatini railways is one of the most reliable railways in the SADC region in terms of transit time, with few manageable delays from port to Matsapha. It tracks cargo from port to Matsapha and shipping lines track from overseas origin to the port. There is a reputable record of safety with very few incidents of vandalism or theft.

Eswatini railways has undertaken a feasibility study regarding expansion of the ICD to provide more storage space and other services to broaden their capacity. The Eswatini Government has already allocated land to undertake the expansion.

The government of Eswatini in October 2021 put out a tender for the development of the Mpaka Inland Container Depot, a new ICD which is conceptualised to reduce the constraints on the Matsapha ICD with provision of more container space and Sugar Mills and ethanol producers operations support.

Home — Eswatini Railways

Railway Companies and Consortia

Eswatini Railways is a government owned parastatal that runs its operations commercially without any government subvention. The track is maintained and railways runs its own rolling stock. They report to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and there is currently no agency responsible for regulating rail transport in Eswatini.

ESR is the largest hauler of goods in the country and the only railway operator. Government does not regulate the pricing of rates. Benchmarking is done with the operators in the region and consider operating costs to stipulate rates. Rates given to customers are for both the rail and ship legs. Customers get rates through ESR or the shipping lines. 

Capacity Table

Key Route Information

Key Stations

All petroleum products consumed in Eswatini are imported from the Durban refineries in South Africa by the Oil companies operating in the country who also distribute the products to filling stations and to commercial users where there is a regulation of product prices.

The Energy policy of the country requires that all Oil Companies establish minimum stocks. Each company is required to store a minimum quantity of stocks. Fuel storage for petrol and diesel continues to be a major concern to the Government. Petroleum fuel storage capacity in Eswatini currently stands at less than 5 days.

The Ministry has completed a feasibility study for the strategic stocks and a site investigation study which amongst other findings identified Phuzumoya is a suitable site for both under ground and above ground alternatives. The Ministry is now working on the possible options of financing the construction of a storage depot.

The Department of Energy under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy plays a regulatory role in the petroleum downstream activities, in particular the pricing of all controlled petroleum products i.e. petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin. The government's objective to keep petroleum prices affordable to the public is undermined by the volatility in international oil prices and the Lilangeni/Dollar exchange rate which the government has no control over.

The Ministry also regulates the number of service stations in the country through the Petrol Rationalisation Committee, which achieves its role through the Service Station Rationalisation Plan (RATPLAN). At the moment the Ministry is working on the Petroleum Bill and the RATPLAN is being reviewed to have it incorporated into the Petroleum Bill so that it is enforceable in law.

For more information on government and fuel provider contact details, please see the following links:  4.1 Government Contact List and 4.7 Fuel Providers Contact List.

Information may also be found at: http://www.mytravelcost.com/petrol-prices/ which is updated monthly. 

Fuel Pricing

Seasonal Variations 

Standards, Quality and Testing

Disclaimer: Inclusion of company information in the LCA does not imply any business relationship between the supplier and WFP / Logistics Cluster, and is used solely as a determinant of services, and capacities.

Please note: WFP / Logistics Cluster maintain complete impartiality and are not in a position to endorse, comment on any company's suitability as a reputable service provider.

 There are no industry-threatening union issues in Eswatini. However there are protests over fuel hikes affecting transport operations. Eswatini road terrains after  a heavy rainy season can be challenging. The radius of operation for transporters includes in-country and cross border operations.

The current capacity meets domestic needs and the market has the capacity to accommodate an influx in demand from the humanitarian community; flexibilities per demand can be explored with current fleet or a mild boost.

Foreign operators are allowed to operate domestically, especially from within the SADC region.

For more information on transport company contact details, please see the following link:  4.8 Transporter Contact List 

The Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) is the regulatory body responsible for regulating the communications sector in Eswatini, constituting of telecommunication services and networks, broadcasting services, postal services and the use and allocation of radio spectrum. It derives its mandate from the Swaziland Communications Commission Act no. 10 of 2013. The Commission became operational on the 31st July 2013, effectively taking over all the regulatory powers of the sector from the Eswatini Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (EPTC) and Eswatini Television Authority (Eswatini TV).

LICENCE TYPES

• COMMERCIAL TELEVISION BROADCASTING LICENCE
• COMMUNITY RADIO BROADCASTING LICENCE
• GENERAL LICENCE -ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE FOR IMPORTATION, DISTRIBUTION, OR SALE
• GENERAL LICENCE -ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES WHICH DO NOT REQUIRE NUMBERING RESOURCES
• GENERAL LICENCE-ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE FOR INSTALLING AND MAINTENANCE OF EC EQUPMENT
• INDIVIDUAL LICENCE -ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK
• INDIVIDUAL LICENCE -ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE
• PUBLIC TELEVISION BROADCASTING LICENCE

Telecommunication Regulation

Regulations | Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM)

Below are types of regulations available in Eswatini;

1. Consumer Protection Regulations
2. Cryptography Regulations
3. Domain Name Administration Regulations
4. Facilities Sharing Regulations
5. Importation, Type Approval and Distribution of Communications Equipment Regulations
6. Interconnection Regulations
7. Licencing Regulations
8. Numbering Regulations
9. Quality of Service Regulations
10. Radio Communication and Frequency Spectrum Regulations
11. Subscriber Registration Regulations
12. Universal Service and Access Regulations

Existing Humanitarian Telecoms Systems

Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

Mobile Network Operators (MNOs)

For information on MNOs please visit the GSM Association website. 

Generic country information can be located from sources which are regularly maintained and reflect current facts and figures. For a general overview of country data related to the service and supply sectors, please consult the following sources:

The Observatory of Economic Complexity – MIT (OEC): Eswatini (SWZ) Exports, Imports, and Trade Partners | OEC - The Observatory of Economic Complexity

Eswatini | ASTI (cgiar.org) 

Disclaimer: Inclusion of company information in the LCA does not imply any business relationship between the supplier and WFP / Logistics Cluster, and is used solely as a determinant of services, and capacities.

Please note: WFP / Logistics Cluster maintain complete impartiality and are not in a position to endorse, comment on any company's suitability as a reputable service provider.