Eswatini Orders Foreign Businesses to Exit Retail Sector Within Twelve Months

Eswatini's government has issued a twelve-month ultimatum to foreign businesses engaged in rural retail, requiring them to transfer ownership to citizens or face closure. The directive, announced by the Minister for Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, applies to enterprises operating outside designated urban commercial zones.

Khumalo stated that the measure seeks to empower Eswatini nationals in a sector increasingly dominated by foreign entities. The move comes as part of broader efforts to foster local economic participation and reduce foreign control over essential consumer goods and services in rural communities. Failure to comply within the stipulated period will result in businesses being forcibly shut down.