Eswatini - Selling to the Public Sector

Selling to the Public Sector

Last published date: 2024-06-24

Selling to the Government

The Eswatini Public Procurement Regulatory Agency (EPPRA), is an independent regulatory body with responsibility for policy, regulation, oversight, professional development, and information management and dissemination in the field of public procurement.

The agency’s Circular One of 2016 explains public procurement procedures. Stakeholders are advised to familiarize themselves with the contents of the circular as it contains instructions of how effective public procurement is to be conducted.

In marketing products and services to the GKoE, one should not expect a steady flow of sales, but there are occasional opportunities for one-off sales of considerable size. Generally the GKoE publishes tenders in the local media and, depending on the commodity required, occasionally in the South African media. There are three basic sources of GKoE tenders. First, Government Stores, which is the GKoE’s procurement department located in the Ministry of Finance, purchases general supplies (furniture, stationary, etc.). Second, the Central Transport Administration (CTA) at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport purchases heavy equipment (tractors, bulldozers, generators, etc.). Third, individual ministries directly purchase items unique to their work (meteorological equipment, x-ray machines, etc.).

Potential bidders pay for the right to bid at the GKoE revenue office and then collect tender documents from Government Stores after showing receipt from the government revenue office. Bids are returned to the Central Tender Board. Bidders are invited for the opening of the bids. In some instances, a ministry can apply for a tender waiver if there are too few companies supplying a particular commodity.

The GKoE requires three quotes to procure an item. It will issue an order to the company selected, and then the company applies for an import permit from the Ministry of Finance.

U.S. companies bidding on foreign government tenders may also qualify for U.S. Government advocacy. Within the U.S. Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration, the Advocacy Center coordinates U.S. Government interagency advocacy efforts on behalf of U.S. exporters in competition with foreign firms in foreign government projects or procurement opportunities. The Advocacy Center works closely with our network of the U.S. Commercial Service worldwide and inter-agency partners to ensure that exporters of U.S. products and services have the best possible chance of winning government contracts. Advocacy assistance can take many forms but often involves the U.S. Embassy or other U.S. Government agency officials expressing support for the U.S. exporters directly to the foreign government. Consult the Advocacy Center’s program web page on trade.gov for additional information.

Many public works projects of the GKoE are financed through borrowing from the multilateral development banks. Please refer to “Project Financing” Section in “Trade and Project Financing” for more information.

Project Financing

Sources of Project Financing in Eswatini

NIDCS

NIDCS activities complement the GKoE’s effort to attract investment by offering equity participation and anchoring investor confidence in Eswatini. Currently, they support undertakings in sectors such as Food and Beverages, Agri-business, Health and Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure and Engineering, Paper, Plastic and Leather, Textiles and Apparels, Communications, Mining and Minerals, Financial Services, Finance and Entertainment.

Industrial Development Company of Eswatini (IDCE)

IDCE is prepared to provide equity finance where required. IDCE also offers medium- to long-term loans, and leases factory space. IDCE will only participate in projects that are technically feasible, financially viable, and soundly managed. IDCE gives priority to projects which provide permanent employment, generate foreign exchange, and improve Eswatini’s human capacity.

Investment Development Company of Eswatini

P.O. Box 866

Mbabane

Tel: +268.2404.4010/2

Fax: +268 2404-5619

https://www.idce.co.sz/

Tibiyo Taka Ngwane

Tibiyo Taka Ngwane conducts free enterprise business on behalf of the Swati Nation with the King serving as Trustee. Tibiyo has a portfolio of nearly 30 interests, in mining, manufacturing, property, finance, agriculture, tourism, transport, and other sectors. Tibiyo frequently works in partnership with major companies and international development agencies.

Tibiyo Taka Ngwane

P.O. Box 181

Kwaluseni

Tel: +268 2518-4390

Fax: +268 2518-4399

https://www.tibiyo.com/

U.S. Trade and Development Agency (TDA)

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency promotes economic development in developing countries by funding feasibility studies, consultants, training programs, and other project planning services. In Africa, TDA assists U.S. firms by identifying major development projects that offer large export potential and by funding U.S. private sector involvement in project planning. This, in turn, helps position U.S. firms for follow-on activities during the implementation phase of the project. TDA recently opened an office in Johannesburg, located at the Ronald H. Brown Commercial Center. For additional information contact:

Jacob Flewelling, Africa Business Development Manager

U.S. Consulate - Johannesburg

1 Sandton Drive

Sandhurst, South Africa

Phone: +27 (11) 290-3084

Email: jflewelling@ustda.gov