Eswatini Government: 80% Local Content Mandatory in Public Construction

• The Eswatini government has introduced a new requirement that at least 80% of construction materials used in public projects must be sourced locally.
• The aim is to create jobs and keep more money within the country through infrastructure spending.
• Lawyers advising on public construction projects should watch for potential impacts on project timelines and costs.

The Ministry's Principal Secretary, Thulani Mkhaliphi, emphasized that the overhaul is designed to generate greater economic benefits for the country.

The government of Eswatini has introduced a significant change in its procurement system for public construction projects. As part of this overhaul, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport aims to ensure that at least 80% of construction materials used in these projects are sourced locally. This move is intended to create jobs and keep more money within the country.

The new local content requirements are part of a broader effort by the Eswatini government to promote economic development through infrastructure spending. The Ministry's Principal Secretary, Thulani Mkhaliphi, emphasized that the overhaul is designed to generate greater economic benefits for the country. While specific details about the legislation or regulations governing this change are not publicly available, it is clear that the government is taking a proactive approach to promoting local content in public construction projects. The Eswatini Public Procurement Regulatory Agency (ESPPRA) actively encourages procuring entities to prioritize local suppliers in procurement processes.

Lawyers advising on public construction projects in Eswatini should be aware of these new requirements and their potential impact on project timelines and costs. The introduction of local content requirements may necessitate changes to procurement strategies, which could lead to delays or increased expenses. As the government continues to implement this policy, it will be essential for stakeholders to closely monitor its development and adapt accordingly.

Lawyers advising on public construction projects in Eswatini should watch for the new local content requirements, which may impact project timelines and costs.

Source: Original reporting via Times of Eswatini