Eswatini gives illegal foreign businesses 12 months to leave
Businesses owned by Asian nationals are being closed across Eswatini, previously known as Swaziland, as the government cracks down on foreign-owned enterprises. It follows parliament’s approval of a law that seeks to increase ownership and participation by emaSwati, as citizens of the kingdom are known. The legislation comes after complaints from local traders that foreign-owned […]
The Eswatini government is giving foreign-owned businesses a 12-month window to depart the country after the passage of the Citizen Economic Empowerment Act. The legislation intends to boost economic opportunities for Eswatini citizens by restricting unlicensed foreign operations in retail markets. This move comes after complaints from local traders about foreign merchants encroaching on traditional markets, intensifying competition, and threatening local livelihoods.
The law's implementation has sparked debate in Parliament over the timeframe for foreign business owners to leave. While some MPs have suggested a three-year transition period, others demand immediate enforcement, particularly in rural areas where foreign-owned enterprises are prevalent. The government launched inspections in August, finding some businesses compliant but raising concerns about working conditions and administrative practices.
Despite the ministry's potential to continue enforcing immediate closures, the 12-month transition period has been agreed upon by Parliament. Economic hardships in Eswatini, with 70% of its population living below the poverty line, drive the government's focus on expanding opportunities for citizens amidst political unrest risks.
The crackdown echoes similar actions in neighboring South Africa, Kenya, and other African nations grappling with similar issues.
Written by urgent.news from GBC Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- Eswatini gives unlicensed foreign businesses 12 months to leave gbcghanaonline.com
- Eswatini gives illegal foreign businesses 12 months to leave myjoyonline.com
- Eswatini gives illegal foreign businesses 12 months to leave bbc.co.uk
