Economic Diversification Study

The Economic Diversification Study is initiated by the need of the Government of Eswatini to review the constraints to economic growth and development in Swaziland and to find ways to increase competitiveness across traditional and new export markets. Some of these constraints are sector specific, and this requires an understanding of the unique challenges that confront producers, investors and exporters in key industries. This study aims to describe in detail the measures required to broaden and diversify the economic base of Swaziland and to increase competiveness in exports to both traditional and new markets. The specific deliverables to be concluded over the course of the study can be summarised as follows: 1) assess the competitive strengths and weaknesses of the Swaziland economy; 2) identify the main opportunities and constraints to export growth, investment and economic diversification; 3) identify the main external barriers to export growth and diversification; 4) compare economic policies, initiatives and institutions in Eswatini to leading (developing country) exporting nations; 5) propose specific institutional changes, policy reforms and direct interventions which the Government and its partners can implement to raise competitiveness and support the diversification of the economy; 6) recommend direct policy interventions to reverse many of the underlying negative trends that compromise the capacity of the state and economy to raise productivity.