The Central Bank of Eswatini’s July/August 2026 statistical release showed provisional gross official reserves rising 3.9% month on month to SZL 10.4 billion in August, supported by rand inflows from trades with commercial banks. Reserves remained 12% below their level a year earlier, while import cover improved from 2.3 months in July to 2.4 months in August. Private sector credit reached SZL 23.8 billion in July, up 0.2% month on month and 11.4% year on year, as higher household lending offset a marginal decline in business credit. Lending to small and medium-sized enterprises fell 4.9% over the month, while lending to large enterprises rose 1.9%. Broad money increased 3.2% to SZL 28.5 billion, but banks’ liquid assets declined 1.1% to SZL 8.6 billion and the liquidity ratio fell from 32% to 31.2%. The discount rate and commercial banks’ prime lending rate were maintained in August at 6.75% and 10.25%, respectively.
2026-09-08Central Bank of Eswatini
Central Bank of Eswatini reports reserves rise to SZL 10.4 billion while remaining 12% lower year on year
The Central Bank of Eswatini reported that provisional reserves rose 3.9% to SZL 10.4 billion in August but remained 12% lower year on year, with import cover at 2.4 months. Private sector credit and broad money grew in July, while bank liquidity weakened. The discount and prime lending rates remained at 6.75% and 10.25%, respectively.