…. Minister outlines next step for transformative legislation
BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE– The Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, has confirmed that the regulations under the Citizens Economic Empowerment Act are awaiting Cabinet approval before being tabled in Parliament.
Khumalo made the remarks during the launch of the 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, where he highlighted the importance of the legislation in advancing economic participation for emaSwati. The Citizens Economic Empowerment Regulations are meant to operationalise the Citizens Economic Empowerment Act in order for Emaswati business people to get preferential treatment when it comes to service provisions, especially on the procurement space.
Framework to boost local business participation
The Citizens Economic Empowerment Act is a key policy instrument designed to shift indigenous emaSwati from the margins of the economy to the centre of economic activity.
The Act, which came into effect in July 2024 after having been enacted by the House of Assembly and Senate in April and July 2023 respectively, aims to promote inclusive growth, support local enterprise and reduce dependency on imports by strengthening domestic production and entrepreneurship.
Khumalo emphasised that once approved, the regulations will provide practical mechanisms to ensure that emaSwati-owned businesses benefit from preferential procurement and targeted institutional support.
Opening opportunities for SMEs
A central feature of the Act is its focus on empowering micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which are widely recognised as drivers of economic growth and job creation.
Through preferential procurement measures, local businesses will gain improved access to government tenders, creating opportunities for expansion and sustainability.
Efforts are also underway to simplify procurement processes through the Eswatini Public Procurement Regulatory Agency, making it easier for smaller businesses to compete fairly.
In addition, a digital MSME registry is expected to connect local enterprises with procurement opportunities, enhancing transparency and efficiency.
Driving economic transformation and job creation
The legislation is seen as a catalyst for economic transformation, with a strong emphasis on job creation, skills development and increased local ownership.
By supporting citizen-owned businesses, the Act aims to stimulate economic activity, generate employment and ensure that more wealth is retained within the country.
It also places importance on capacity building, equipping entrepreneurs with the skills and resources needed to grow sustainable businesses.
Strengthening oversight and accountability
The implementation of the Act is being overseen by the Citizens Economic Empowerment Council, which was established in 2024 to drive the empowerment agenda and ensure compliance with the legislation.
The council plays a critical role in monitoring progress, promoting transparency and building trust between government, the private sector and citizens.
A step towards inclusive economic growth
Khumalo described the Citizens Economic Empowerment Act as a transformative piece of legislation that marks a new chapter for local businesses.
Once the regulations receive Cabinet approval and are tabled in Parliament, they are expected to accelerate the implementation of empowerment initiatives and unlock greater opportunities for emaSwati entrepreneurs.
The move signals government’s continued commitment to building a more inclusive, self-reliant and resilient economy where local businesses play a central role in national development.
(Courtesy Pic)
