Eswatini Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in eswatini, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Medical Equipment
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Eswatini’s health sector faces significant challenges, including a high disease burden, limited infrastructure, and financial constraints. The country has a high HIV/AIDS prevalence rate, alongside a high burden of tuberculosis and rising rates of non-communicable disease such as diabetes and hypertension. Rural areas face barriers to accessing healthcare, including long travel distances, poor infrastructure, and limited availability of services, exacerbating urban-rural disparities.

Healthcare infrastructure in Eswatini is outdated, with many facilities lacking modern equipment and diagnostic tools.  Workforce shortages further compound the problem, as the country struggles to retain skilled healthcare professionals due to limited training opportunities, low wages, and migration to other countries. Financial constraints also limit access to care, with many citizens unable to afford healthcare services and the absence of widespread health insurance. 

The adoption of health technologies remains limited due to infrastructure gaps, insufficient internet connectivity, and high costs. While mobile phone penetration is increasing, advanced solutions like telemedicine and electronic health records are not widely implemented. Supply chain inefficiencies lead to frequent shortages of essential medicines and medical supplies, while weak health information systems hinder effective resource allocation and planning. Cultural and social barriers, such as stigma around HIV/AIDS and mental health, further complicate efforts to improve public health outcomes.

Leading Sub-sectors

  • Medical equipment
  • Diagnostic imaging equipment
  • Patient care monitors
  • Chemotherapy equipment
  • Optical instruments
  • Automated Clinical Chemistry Analyzers

Opportunities

Opportunities readily exist for U.S. exporters of medical equipment especially new and innovative equipment, as the government of Eswatini is upgrading and developing hospital infrastructure.

With increasing mobile phone penetration, there is significant potential for telemedicine and digital health solutions to improve healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas. U.S. companies specializing in telehealth platforms, electronic health records, and mobile health applications can find opportunities to partner with local healthcare providers and government initiatives. There are also opportunities in digital payment systems within the healthcare sector.
The country also relies heavily on imported pharmaceuticals, presenting opportunities for U.S. companies to supply essential medicines, vaccines, and innovative treatments. Investments in local manufacturing or distribution partnerships could reduce costs and improve access to critical medications. 

Resources

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