Friday, 6 March 2026 by Nhlanganiso Mkhonta

 

MBABANE – The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade has reported significant progress in strengthening Eswatini’s industrial base.

The ministry reported progress in expanding global trade opportunities and improving the business environment during the 2025/2026 financial year, positioning the country as an increasingly competitive destination for investment and manufacturing.

According to the ministry’s annual performance report, government’s economic strategy has increasingly shifted towards industrialisation, export expansion and support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which officials describe as critical drivers of economic growth and job creation.

By aligning domestic industrial policies with regional and continental frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), government aims to ensure that locally produced goods gain stronger access to international markets.

The report stresses that ‘Made in Eswatini’ should increasingly become a mark of quality recognised across regional and global markets.

MSMEs recognised as economic lifeline

MBABANE – Beyond large-scale industrial development, the ministry’s report places significant emphasis on the role of MSMEs in driving economic participation and job creation.

Government has prioritised support for small businesses through training programmes, access to finance initiatives and entrepreneurship development.

Innovation hubs are also being established to encourage digital entrepreneurship and technological innovation.

The Pigg’s Peak Innovation Hub has already been launched, while the Macetjeni Innovation Hub is nearing completion.

These centres are expected to support start-ups and young entrepreneurs by providing mentorship, business development support and technology infrastructure.

Through programmes implemented by the Small Enterprises Development Company (SEDCO) and the MSME Unit, thousands of entrepreneurs have received training aimed at formalising businesses and improving their competitiveness.

Special emphasis has been placed on ensuring that women and young entrepreneurs benefit from these initiatives. The report also highlights significant growth within the cooperative sector.

The number of registered cooperatives has risen to 1 612, reflecting growing interest in collective economic models among communities across the country.

Officials believe cooperatives can play a vital role in promoting rural economic development by enabling communities to pool resources, access markets and generate income.

*…

Manufacturing remains backbone of our economy

MBABANE – The manufacturing sector continues to be a cornerstone of Eswatini’s economy, contributing nearly 29 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

To support the sector’s growth, the ministry oversaw the construction and completion of seven factory shells in areas including Hlatikhulu, Gamula and Ndzevane.

These industrial facilities have already facilitated the creation of more than 6 650 jobs, providing livelihoods to thousands of households across the country.

Officials say the expansion of industrial infrastructure is intended to support manufacturing companies seeking ready-to-operate facilities, while also accelerating investment inflows.

The report further indicates that enterprise support programmes aimed at strengthening industrial value chains have helped boost manufacturing output, particularly within the agro-processing sector.

Enterprises supported through these programmes collectively generated manufacturing output valued at more than E5 million, demonstrating the potential of targeted industrial support initiatives.

In addition to expanding existing industrial infrastructure, the ministry has been actively developing a substantial investment pipeline.

According to the report, an industrial investment pipeline worth approximately E39 billion has been developed, with the potential to generate over 2 000 additional jobs once projects are implemented.

*Full article available on Pressreader*

Further job creation is expected as new facilities in Nhlangano, Ngwenya and Pigg’s Peak become operational, potentially creating 4 820 new jobs. (Courtesy pic)