BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI– Eswatini’s drive to connect local businesses with wider markets has received a major boost through the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), whose financial, technical and knowledge support helped establish the Buy Eswatini digital commerce platform.
The contribution was highlighted during the official handover and launch of the new Buy Eswatini brand at the 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) 2026 on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Ambassador Melusi Masuku, represented Minister Manqoba Khumalo at the event and delivered the Minister’s speech, in which Government expressed its appreciation to Taiwan for its role in developing the initiative.
“On behalf of His Majesty’s Government, I express sincere appreciation to the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for its invaluable support toward developing BuyEswatini,” Khumalo said.
The Minister said Taiwan’s contribution had provided Eswatini with more than financial assistance, highlighting the technical expertise and knowledge transferred through the partnership.
He said this support had helped position Eswatini to participate more meaningfully in the global digital economy, while giving local businesses an opportunity to increase their visibility and reach markets beyond traditional physical trading spaces.
“While we now transition to full national ownership under EIPA, we do so on a foundation made possible through this important international partnership,” Khumalo said.
The launch marks the formal transition of Buy Eswatini to the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA), which will now take full responsibility for developing and sustaining the platform as a national digital trade asset.
Government, however, sees the Taiwan partnership as an important part of the platform’s next chapter.
Khumalo made a special appeal to Taiwan to consider supporting Phase 3 – the Sustainability and Scale-Up Phase, which would strengthen the platform and expand its economic impact.
“On behalf of the Government, I make a special appeal to our valued partners, particularly the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), to consider Phase 3 funding and continued technical cooperation,” he said.
The proposed next phase will focus o
n technical upgrades, including platform infrastructure, data protection, digital payment solutions and order logistics.
It will also strengthen the capacity of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through training in professional packaging, digital marketing, e-commerce skills and export readiness.
Government further wants Buy Eswatini to become a bridge between local producers and bigger commercial opportunities, linking businesses with retailers, corporate buyers and international trade routes.
Khumalo said digital visibility alone would not guarantee success, challenging local entrepreneurs to ensure that their products meet the standards expected by increasingly connected consumers.
He called for quality products, professional packaging, competitive pricing and reliable customer service, saying businesses must seize the opportunities created by the platform.
The Minister also emphasised the importance of strengthening local production and market access simultaneously, with Buy Eswatini expected to help connect capable local producers with active buyers and reduce unnecessary reliance on imported products.
Consumers were also urged to play their part by buying locally produced goods, while private-sector companies and retailers were encouraged to incorporate local suppliers available through Buy Eswatini into their supply chains.
For young people and women entrepreneurs, Government sees digital commerce as a particularly important opportunity to turn technological confidence into sustainable commercial ventures.
The new Buy Eswatini brand, Khumalo said, represents national confidence, ownership and strategic ambition.
He stressed that the value of the brand would ultimately be determined by how effectively Emaswati use it to grow businesses, create jobs and reach new customers.
With Taiwan having helped establish the foundation and EIPA now assuming national ownership, Buy Eswatini enters a new phase aimed at transforming digital access into real market opportunities for local businesses.
The Government’s message at the launch was clear: Buy Eswatini. Sell Eswatini. Support Eswatini. Grow Eswatini.
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