Eswatini economy shows growth as regional trade supports South Africa surplus

Eswatini’s economy showed significant strength in recent reports, with the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reaching E96.6 billion in 2025. According to the Central Statistical Office, the economy recorded real growth of 4.8 per cent, an increase from the 3.0 per cent growth seen in 2024. This expansion was primarily driven by the tertiary sector, which grew by 6.0 per cent and accounts for 52.3 per cent of the total GDP. Notable sub-sector growth included information and communication at 20.5 per cent and professional, scientific, and technical activities at 11.7 per cent.

On a regional level, Eswatini is a key contributor to South Africa’s trade performance. Data from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) indicates that South Africa recorded a preliminary trade surplus of E20.1 billion in July 2026. Trade with the BELN countries—Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, and Namibia—accounted for approximately E11 billion of that surplus. This highlights Eswatini’s importance within the regional trade network, despite its smaller economy relative to South Africa.