By Mbono Mdluli
BIG BEND – His Majesty King Mswati III has endorsed the importance of industrial development in combating poverty and unemployment through the establishment of community factory shells.
Speaking at the official launch of the Ndzevane factory shell in the Lubombo Region on March 11, 2025, the King stressed the transformative role such projects will play in creating job opportunities for Emaswati and stimulating local economies.
The Ndzevane factory shell is one of the pioneering projects under Eswatini’s Decentralization Programme. It is expected to employ at least 1 000 Emaswati in its initial phase. The facility will be occupied by Sigma Clothing, a textile company, contributing to Eswatini’s thriving garment industry.
“Such projects come with essential services such as water, sanitation, and electricity, making them highly beneficial to surrounding communities. These developments not only provide employment but also improve access to crucial infrastructure at reduced costs. We now hand over this project to the community,” His Majesty stated.
Following the launch of the Ndzevane factory shell, the King also toured the Gamula Factory Shell, which has already been repurposed as a training center and is actively producing garments. This initiative supports skills development and enhances Eswatini’s textile sector.
E150 million allocated for factory shell expansion
To further advance industrial development, government has allocated E150 million for factory shell projects in the 2025/26 financial year. Of this amount, E140 million will be directed towards constructing new factory shells, while E10 million will be used for building factory cottages. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Trade has been tasked with constructing at least 10 factory shells annually to accelerate industrial expansion.
During the 2025/26 Budget Speech debate, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Trade Manqoba Khumalo highlighted the significance of this investment, thanking the Minister of Finance for recognizing the role of industrialization in job creation.
The factory cottages, which will be built with the allocated E10 million, will serve as a support structure for small businesses across different constituencies and chiefdoms. These facilities will enable small entrepreneurs to scale up their operations by providing them with much-needed working spaces and resources.
King encourages entrepreneurship and economic growth
The King has been actively promoting economic development through various projects. On March 3, 2025, he toured the Mkhuzweni Technical Centre and Matsamo Tourism Hub, encouraging youth to leverage these opportunities to start and grow small businesses.
Additionally, the King recently handed over E15 million worth of development projects to Madlangemphisi cooperatives, reinforcing his commitment to empowering local communities. He also inaugurated the Maguga Hydro Power Expansion on March 1, 2025, a project set to enhance Eswatini’s energy production capacity.
The establishment of community factory shells aligns with Eswatini’s broader economic vision of reducing poverty, enhancing skills development, and fostering industrial growth. Through these initiatives, His Majesty aims to position Eswatini as a hub for manufacturing and enterprise, ensuring sustainable economic progress for generations to come.
