International hiring solutions

Hiring in Eswatini

Compliantly hire and pay employees in Eswatini. 

No in-country entity needed.

Eswatini, a small yet vibrant country in Southern Africa, offers a unique and evolving job market. Understanding the intricacies of hiring in Eswatini is essential for global organizations seeking opportunities in this diverse nation.

Dynamic cultural blend: Eswatini’s job market reflects its rich cultural heritage, with a mix of traditional and modern work practices. Organizations looking to hire in Eswatini will encounter a labor force deeply rooted in local customs and traditions.

Economic growth potential: Eswatini has been working to diversify its economy beyond agriculture. This shift opens doors for businesses across various sectors, creating a demand for skilled talent and innovative solutions.

Investment-friendly environment: The government of Eswatini has made efforts to attract foreign investment, providing opportunities for international organizations to establish a presence and contribute to the country’s economic development.

Challenges and opportunities: While Eswatini offers potential, it also presents unique challenges, such as youth unemployment and the need for skills development. Navigating these challenges requires a nuanced understanding of the local job market.

Common challenges when recruiting in Eswatini

Hiring talent in Eswatini, like any global venture, comes with its unique set of challenges. However, with strategic planning and the right support, organizations can navigate these challenges effectively.

Cultural sensitivity: Eswatini’s work culture is deeply rooted in local customs and traditions. Organizations may face challenges in aligning their corporate culture with these traditions. The solution lies in fostering cultural sensitivity among employees, providing cross-cultural training, and embracing a flexible approach to accommodate local customs.

Skills shortages: Finding skilled talent, especially in specialized fields, can be a challenge. To address this, organizations can invest in training and development programs, collaborate with local educational institutions, and consider hiring expatriate professionals with the necessary expertise.

Regulatory compliance: Navigating Eswatini’s labor laws and compliance requirements can be complex. Breedj’s range of services includes expert guidance on compliance, visa processing, and legal matters, ensuring that global organizations hire compliantly and avoid legal pitfalls.

Work permit procedures: Acquiring work permits for foreign employees can be time-consuming and bureaucratic. Breedj streamlines this process, expediting work permits and visa applications for international staff, allowing organizations to onboard talent more efficiently.

Competitive recruitment: Eswatini’s job market is competitive, and organizations may find it challenging to attract top talent. Strategies like offering competitive salaries, benefits, and creating a positive work environment can help in overcoming this challenge.

Language barriers: While English is widely spoken, local languages are also prevalent. Addressing language barriers can be a challenge. Organizations can offer language training or hire bilingual professionals to bridge this gap.

Breedj, with its expertise in the Eswatini job market, offers comprehensive solutions to help global organizations navigate these challenges seamlessly. From legal compliance to talent acquisition, our services ensure a compliant and successful hiring process in Eswatini.

Eswatini's workforce profile

Eswatini, a nation nestled in Southern Africa, boasts a diverse and dynamic workforce that presents both opportunities and considerations for international organizations seeking to establish their presence in the country.

Education levels: Eswatini has made significant strides in education, with a strong focus on improving literacy rates and expanding access to quality education. The workforce benefits from a growing pool of skilled and educated individuals, particularly in fields like healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing. International organizations can tap into this talent pool for various roles, fostering growth and innovation within their operations.

Language skills: English is one of the official languages in Eswatini and serves as the primary medium of instruction in schools and businesses. However, SiSwati, the nation’s other official language, is widely spoken. For global organizations, language skills in both English and SiSwati can be advantageous when it comes to effective communication and building relationships with local partners and clients.

Specialization: Eswatini’s workforce reflects a blend of skills and specializations. Agriculture remains a vital sector, providing opportunities for agribusinesses and food processing industries. Additionally, the country has seen growth in manufacturing, tourism, and services. Understanding the local specialization can guide international organizations in aligning their hiring strategies with the specific needs of their industry.

Impact on hiring decisions: When considering hiring in Eswatini, international organizations should prioritize collaboration with local educational institutions to identify emerging talent. Offering skill development and training programs can help bridge any gaps between the required skills and the available workforce. Being receptive to the nation’s bilingual nature and cultural nuances can enhance relationships and productivity within the workforce.

Eswatini’s workforce presents a mix of education, language skills, and specializations that offer great potential for international organizations. By acknowledging these factors and adapting their hiring strategies accordingly, businesses can foster a productive and harmonious work environment in this vibrant African nation.

Country fact sheet

Currency

Swazi lilangeni (SZL), South African rand (ZAR) also accepted

Capital

Mbabane (administrative), Lobamba (royal and legislative)

Population

1.2 million (2021)

Region

Southern Africa

Timezone

GMT +2

Official languages

English, Swazi (Swati)

Compliance guaranteed

Breedj's local employment expertise in Eswatini

By partnering with Breedj, you can eliminate the need to establish an in-country entity, and thus, saving valuable time and resources while benefiting from our local expertise to guarantee full compliance for your business operations.

Our platform has been designed to seamlessly take care of every aspect of the local employment environment, while you focus on your core operations.

Employment contracts

We handle employment contracts for both global employees and contractors.

Guaranteed compliance

Breedj ensures full compliance with your workers' local labor laws.

Global payroll

Our platform ensures accurate and timely international salary payments.

Legal expertise

Leverage Breedj's extensive expertise to navigate diverse employment laws.

Tax & contributions

Breedj handles tax & mandatory contributions as required by local labor laws.

Multiple currencies

Your workers are paid in their local currency, directly to their bank account.

Public holidays in Eswatini

Understanding the public holidays in Eswatini is essential for businesses operating in the country. These holidays often mark significant cultural, religious, and national events, which can impact business operations and employee schedules. Here is a list of official public holidays in Eswatini:

  • New Year’s Day – January 1st
  • Easter Weekend – Date Varies (Good Friday and Easter Monday)
  • King’s Birthday – April 19th
  • National Flag Day – April 25th
  • Workers’ Day – May 1st
  • King’s Coronation Day – April 25th
  • Independence Day – September 6th
  • Reed Dance – Date Varies (usually late August or early September)
  • Incwala Day – Date Varies (usually late December)
  • Christmas Day – December 25th
  • Boxing Day – December 26th
  • Year-End Public Holiday – December 31st

 

Please note that some holidays are based on lunar calendars, so their dates may vary from year to year. Businesses should plan accordingly and consider these holidays when scheduling work and making hiring decisions in Eswatini.

Labor regulations

Annual leave

12 days

Sick leave

12 days

Maternity leave

12 weeks

Paternity leave

1 week

Employee probation

Up to 3 months

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Eswatini labor market trends

Eswatini, a small but culturally rich country in Southern Africa, has been experiencing notable trends in its labor market in recent years. Understanding these trends is crucial for organizations looking to operate or hire in the country. Here are some insights into the current labor market trends in Eswatini:

Agriculture dominance: Agriculture remains a significant contributor to Eswatini’s economy. A substantial portion of the population is engaged in subsistence farming, and this sector continues to provide employment opportunities, especially in rural areas. Organizations related to agriculture and agribusiness can find a pool of skilled and semi-skilled workers in this sector.

Youth workforce: Eswatini has a relatively young population, with a significant percentage under the age of 30. This youthful workforce is increasingly seeking employment opportunities in various sectors, including information technology, finance, and manufacturing. Businesses looking to tap into this demographic should consider offering relevant training and development programs.

Government initiatives: The Eswatini government has initiated programs to promote economic growth and reduce unemployment. These initiatives include supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and attracting foreign investment. Businesses aligned with these goals may find opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Skills shortages: While Eswatini has a young workforce, there are still skill shortages in specific industries, such as healthcare, engineering, and information technology. Employers seeking specialized skills may need to invest in training or consider recruiting internationally.

Tourism industry: Eswatini’s picturesque landscapes and cultural heritage make it an attractive destination for tourism. The tourism sector has shown growth in recent years, creating jobs in hospitality, travel, and related services. Companies operating in this sector can expect increased demand for skilled and service-oriented employees.

Entrepreneurship: There is a growing entrepreneurial spirit in Eswatini, with more people exploring opportunities to start their own businesses. This trend is fostering economic diversification and creating jobs in various sectors.

Urbanization: Urban areas, particularly the capital city of Mbabane and the industrial hub of Manzini, continue to attract people seeking employment opportunities and better living standards. Organizations looking to establish a presence in Eswatini may consider these urban centers for office locations.

Eswatini’s labor market presents a mix of opportunities and challenges. Understanding the unique dynamics of the country’s workforce, including its youthful population and dominant agricultural sector, can help businesses make informed decisions when it comes to hiring and expansion in this vibrant African nation.

Breedj's platform

Current coverage

54 countries

Focus region

Africa

Salary payments

Supports multiple currencies

Time to market

Onboard workers in less than 24 hours

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Confidently expand to Eswatini

Breedj stands out as the preferred global employment solutions provider for several reasons, offering organizations a competitive edge with a range of scalable global employment solutions.

Cost effective

Drastically reduce administrative and overhead costs related to managing global employees.

100% compliant

Stay up to date with the ever changing global legislations, policies and local labor laws.

Peace of mind

Get direct access to our global employment experts to mitigate legal risks and penalties.

Fast-track market entry

Bypass the complexities associated with establishing a branch office or in-country.

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