By Nelile Nxumalo (Intern)
LOBAMBA – Senator Dr. Linda Nxumalo has strongly endorsed the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade’s budget request, describing it as a critical driver for boosting investment, creating jobs, and improving the ease of doing business in Eswatini.
Speaking during the senate portfolio committee on the 2026/27 national budget of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, the senator commended the ministry’s professional approach and its efforts to place the Kingdom on the global stage.
During the session, Senator Dr Nxumalo described the ministry’s preamble as beautiful and highlighted several key achievements, including the successful launch of the One-Stop Shop and effective inter-ministerial collaboration.
She stressed that her support was not merely ceremonial but based on clear evidence of progress, particularly the tangible results emerging from the recent Investment Conference.
In her contribution, the senator dismissed any doubts about the ministry’s impact, explaining that the new One-Stop Shop would significantly streamline operations and allow the nation to function far more efficiently.
“It is a beautiful initiative that will make doing business in Eswatini much easier,” she said.
She clarified that the ministry’s work goes beyond paperwork, noting that the One-Stop Shop, combined with strong teamwork with other departments, including the ministry of ICT support for SEDCO’s i-Hub in Piggs Peak, is already delivering real benefits.
Senator Dr. Nxumalo further revealed that the recent Investment Conference had successfully attracted international investors and produced concrete outcomes, demonstrating the ministry’s commitment to economic growth.
“The conference was not just talk; it brought real investors and real results,” she explained.
The senator also acknowledged the ministry’s ongoing efforts to address human resource challenges and accelerate business registration reforms, while pointing out a minor issue with a graph on page 5 that did not clearly reflect the reported 96% budget utilisation.
She offered the Portfolio Committee’s full assistance in resolving such matters and expressed strong optimism about the Table of Industry programme, which promises new job opportunities in line with national calls for support through Isibaya.
Senator Dr. Nxumalo reiterated that the ministry’s budget is essential for sustaining these initiatives and formally seconded the budget request.
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