This department has the responsibility of developing local entrepreneurs and encouraging them into participating in investment projects, particularly the primary business sectors as opposed to the retail sector. It also assists local entrepreneurs with their plans for expansions, and forming linkages with foreign direct investors either in joint-ventures or in sub-supply functions. The department conducts business seminars across the country in an effort to raise awareness and help budding business groups organise themselves.

In all its activities, SIPA is supported by a Consultant who is funded by the European Union in its support programme for SIPA.

SIPA SERVICES

Our Assistance comprises the following:

Information on cost of Doing Business in Swaziland

Identification of Investment Opportunities

Assistance in Sourcing Finance for investment Projects

Creating Linkages for SME Developments with local & Institution Support

Foreign & Local Business After-care support and Troubleshooting.

Business Registration

Company Registration

Trading Licences

Special Licences

Temporary Work Permit & Visas

Factory Space

Identification & Provision

Business Linkages

Joint Venture Partnerships

Subcontracting

Outsourcing

Expansion & Diversification

Coordinating Investment Activities with other Government Agencies/Utility Providers

Investment Project Profiles

Establishment

SIPA was established by an act of Parliament in 1998 in order to fulfill its mandate. This resulted in the streamlining of SIPA's operations into three departments, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Investor Facilitation and Aftercare Services (IFS).