The Central Bank of Eswatini has kept the discount rate unchanged at 6.75% and indicated that banks are expected to maintain the prime lending rate on loans to individuals and businesses at 10.25% until the next monetary policy meeting. The Bank also maintained its 2026 inflation forecast at 3.97%. The decision was taken following a meeting held with the Monetary Policy Consultative Committee, taking into account global, regional and domestic economic conditions alongside the Bank’s price and financial stability mandate. The Central Bank of Eswatini expects the cost of goods and services to increase moderately in 2026, while citing International Monetary Fund projections that global growth in 2026 is 3.3% and global headline inflation is expected to ease to 3.8% in 2026 and 3.4% in 2027.
Central Bank of Eswatini 2026-01-30
Central Bank of Eswatini holds discount rate at 6.75% and expects banks to keep prime lending rate at 10.25%
The Central Bank of Eswatini has maintained the discount rate at 6.75% and expects banks to keep the prime lending rate at 10.25% until the next monetary policy meeting, with the 2026 inflation forecast remaining at 3.97%. This decision considers global, regional, and domestic economic conditions, with expectations of moderate cost increases in 2026 and IMF projections of global growth at 3.3% and easing inflation.