BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI– For Eswatini’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs), going green is no longer simply about protecting the environment—it is increasingly becoming a smart business strategy for unlocking new markets, improving competitiveness and building sustainable growth.
This was the message delivered to local entrepreneurs during a Business Connect Session hosted by MTN Eswatini and MoMo at Pavilion 1 of the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
Held under the theme “Let’s Talk Business at Trade Fair,” the session brought together SMEs, entrepreneurs and industry leaders to explore practical ways of adapting businesses to the growing demands of a green economy.
The engagement focused on helping local businesses embrace sustainable practices, adopt eco-friendly operating models and explore clean technologies that can create both environmental and commercial value.
Addressing the entrepreneurs, Sipho Dlamini stressed the importance of ensuring that SMEs are prepared to participate in Eswatini’s transition towards a greener economy.
“SMEs need to recognise that sustainable business practices are not simply about environmental responsibility. They can create long-term commercial value, improve competitiveness and help businesses remain relevant in an evolving market,” Dlamini said.
The message comes at a time when businesses globally are increasingly being challenged to rethink how they produce, operate and deliver services, with sustainability becoming an important consideration for consumers, investors and markets.
For Eswatini’s SMEs, adopting greener business models could open opportunities to develop innovative products and services, reduce operational inefficiencies and respond to growing demand for environmentally responsible solutions.
The session also placed strong emphasis on the importance of understanding environmental regulations.
Belusile Mhlanga, Head of Environment Impact Assessment, Monitoring and Coordination at the Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA), took entrepreneurs through key environmental standards and regulatory processes relevant to business operations.
Mhlanga focused on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) frameworks, environmental monitoring, sustainable operations and statutory requirements, giving SMEs insight into how environmental considerations should form part of responsible business planning.
“Understanding environmental requirements is an important part of responsible business growth. SMEs need to know the standards that apply to their operations and how compliance can support sustainable development,” Mhlanga said.
The discussion highlighted that environmental compliance should not be viewed purely as a regulatory obligation, but also as an important component of responsible and future-focused business development.
For entrepreneurs looking to expand, understanding environmental requirements early can help businesses plan effectively, operate responsibly and identify opportunities within the emerging green economy.
Meanwhile, Wandile Dlamini, Executive Head of the Enterprise Business Unit (EBU) at MTN Eswatini, highlighted the company’s continued focus on supporting local SMEs with strategic tools and platform support.
“MTN remains committed to empowering local SMEs by providing strategic tools and platform support that can help businesses transition towards sustainable models and unlock new pathways for growth,” Dlamini said.
The Business Connect Session demonstrated the value of bringing entrepreneurs, industry players and regulatory institutions together around issues that directly affect the future of business in Eswatini.
It also gave SMEs an opportunity to gain knowledge, engage with industry leaders and consider practical ways of strengthening their businesses in an economy increasingly shaped by sustainability and innovation.
The session formed part of the 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) 2026, which is taking place from August 28 to September 6 at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre.
This year’s EITF is being held under the theme “Unlocking Green Economy Opportunities for Sustainable Trade,” placing sustainability, innovation and environmentally responsible economic activity firmly on the trade agenda.
For Eswatini’s entrepreneurs, the message emerging from the session is both timely and significant: the green economy should not be seen merely as a future concept, but as an opportunity that businesses can begin preparing for today.
By embracing sustainable practices, adopting cleaner technologies and understanding environmental requirements, SMEs can position themselves not only to survive changing market conditions, but to grow within them.
As Eswatini looks to unlock new avenues for sustainable economic development, its SMEs are being encouraged to turn the green transition into a business opportunity—and build enterprises that are competitive, responsible and ready for the future.
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