MBABANE – Eswatini has defended its nationwide business inspections, dismissing claims that the exercise is xenophobic after finding that 69.4% of 3,226 businesses inspected since May 5 were non-compliant.

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade said on Thursday that the operation covered businesses in urban and rural areas across the country’s four regions and was aimed at enforcing existing laws.

The ministry said the inspections were not targeting any nationality and were being conducted under existing trading, immigration and tax laws.

It also clarified that the Citizens Economic Empowerment Act of 2024 was not being enforced through the operation, as regulations to implement the law were still being developed.

The government said it was seeking to increase emaSwati participation in the retail sector while allowing foreign nationals who are legally resident and eligible to operate businesses a fair transition period.

However, it warned that illegal immigrants and those whose permits do not allow commercial activities would not receive concessions.

The inspections, conducted with several government agencies, are expected to continue, with authorities insisting that compliance with business and immigration laws is non-negotiable.