BY MBONO MDLULI
EZULWINI– Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo has emphasised the importance of international cooperation in strengthening entrepreneurship and economic development in Eswatini.
The minister made the remarks on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, during the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF) Conference held in Ezulwini. The event brought together government leaders, diplomats, international experts and entrepreneurs to exchange ideas on digital entrepreneurship and small business development.
Among the dignitaries present were Minister of Information, Communications and Technology Savannah Maziya, Ambassador Jeremy Liang from the Republic of China (Taiwan), United States Embassy Chief of Mission Marc Weinstock and Japan’s Deputy Chief of Mission Kazuya Mori.
In his address, Khumalo described the Global Cooperation and Training Framework as a vital platform for knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
Established in 2015 by Taiwan and the United States, the framework provides opportunities for governments, experts and practitioners to share expertise and develop solutions to global challenges. Over the years, the initiative has hosted more than 80 international workshops with participants from over 130 countries.
Khumalo noted that the platform has expanded significantly, with partners including Japan, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. This growing collaboration demonstrates strong international recognition of the initiative and its role in strengthening global cooperation.
“These partnerships are particularly important for developing countries that seek to build human capacity and strengthen institutions,” he said.
The minister highlighted that Eswatini’s economic development strategy strongly aligns with the goals of the conference, particularly through the country’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) policy.
He explained that the National MSME Policy 2024–2029 aims to create an enabling environment for business growth while empowering entrepreneurs and strengthening the national economy.
The policy is closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 9, which promotes resilient infrastructure, sustainable industrialisation and innovation. It also supports Goal 8, which focuses on inclusive economic growth, employment and decent work for all.
According to the 2023 FinScope Survey, Eswatini currently has approximately 68,000 MSMEs employing around 93,000 people. On average, each enterprise employs between one and two people, highlighting the significant contribution of small businesses to the national economy.
Khumalo described MSMEs as key drivers of economic growth and innovation.
“These enterprises are not just job creators; they are culture bearers, innovators and problem-solvers,” he said.
He added that the government remains committed to strengthening the business environment through several strategic priorities. These include expanding business development services and capacity-building programmes, increasing access to finance for youth and women-led enterprises, and enhancing market opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
The minister also highlighted initiatives aimed at improving market linkages through national platforms such as the Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival, which promotes local products and businesses while connecting entrepreneurs with wider markets.
Another priority is the development of inclusive regulatory frameworks that make it easier for entrepreneurs to start, grow and formalise their businesses.
Khumalo noted that the GCTF programme is not new to Eswatini. Previous workshops were held in 2021 and 2024, focusing on women’s empowerment and celebrating milestones related to International Women’s Day.
He said the country remains committed to supporting entrepreneurship, particularly among young innovators who are increasingly using digital technology to expand their businesses and reach new markets.
Digital transformation, he explained, provides small enterprises with powerful tools to improve productivity, access global markets and participate in the modern digital economy.
The minister said knowledge-sharing platforms such as the GCTF allow countries to learn from each other’s experiences in digital innovation and entrepreneurship policy.
He encouraged participants to actively contribute to the discussions and develop recommendations that could strengthen the enterprise ecosystem in Eswatini and beyond.
“Workshops such as this provide valuable opportunities to exchange ideas with international experts, share practical experiences and explore innovative approaches to digital entrepreneurship,” he said.
Declaring the conference officially open, Khumalo emphasised that collaboration between governments, industry and the entrepreneurial community remains essential for building a thriving and inclusive business environment.
“I invite all participants to actively engage in this conference and help develop recommendations that will further improve our enterprise ecosystem,” he said. “Together, we can strengthen opportunities for entrepreneurs and support sustainable economic development.”
(Courtesy Pic)
