By Bongiwe Dlamini

MBABANE:The Industrial Development Company of Eswatini (IDCE) has closed the 2025 financial year with record growth, rising profitability and a Board-recommended dividend thus signalling renewed confidence in the country’s development finance institution.

Total group assets climbed from E1.1 billion in 2023 to E1.8 billion in 2025, while company-level assets rose to E1.3 billion, reflecting a disciplined strategy execution and strong governance.

IDCE Board Chairperson Dumisani Kunene said the performance confirms the institution’s ability to deliver commercial returns while advancing national development goals.

But at profitability level, the group net income reached E103 million, with E73 million recorded at company level, this enabled the Board to recommend a dividend for the 2025 financial year in line with the Companies Act and IDCE’s dividend policy.

Chief Executive Officer Fairlie Mabuza said, the results reflect deliberate capital allocation and a balanced investment approach.

“This growth did not happen by chance. It reflects prudent decisions, diversified investments and a clear commitment to value creation that supports industrialisation and job creation,” Mabuza said.

But over the past three(3) years, IDCE increased investment disbursements by approximately E300million, with agriculture, manufacturing and industrial property emerging as priority sectors.

A key highlight has been continued investment in factory shells at the Matsapha Industrial Site, attracting companies relocating from other parts of the  region and strengthening Eswatini’s regional competitiveness.

Under the dividend distribution, the Eswatini National Provident Fund received E9.02 million, while Government of Eswatini received E5.09 million, Nedbank Eswatini and Standard Bank Eswatini each received E225,786.63.

Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg described the dividend as a strong signal of IDCE’s recovery and growing self-sufficiency.

“This declaration shows that IDCE has turned a decisive corner and is now positioned for sustainable growth without additional capital injections,” he said.

Looking ahead, IDCE said the company will continue to expand its portfolio, deepen partnerships and invest in projects that drive industrialisation, job creation and inclusive economic growth.