69.4% of businesses inspected in Eswatini found non-compliant
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Times of Eswatini
Eswatini Trade Minister Manqoba Khumalo rejects allegations of xenophobia over business inspections launched on 5 May 2026. Of 3,226 businesses inspected, 69.4% were non-compliant, according to a ministry statement cited by the Times of Eswatini.
Nationwide business inspections in Eswatini have covered 3,226 businesses since they were launched on 5 May 2026, with 69.4% found to be non-compliant. The Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Senator Manqoba Khumalo, said the operation covered all businesses and aimed to ensure compliance with the country’s laws and regulations, according to a statement issued on 12 November.
The retail sector accounted for 68.9% of the businesses inspected. The inspections are being conducted in all four regions of Eswatini based notably on the 1975 Trade Licences Order, the 1982 Immigration Act and the 1975 Income Tax Order, according to Manqoba Khumalo. The inspection team also discovered foreign currency during a search.
Manqoba Khumalo’s clarification comes after the announcement on 11 November of a 12-month period granted to illegal foreign businesses to comply. It also follows the publication on 12 November of figures on the share of Somalis and Ethiopians among offenders.
