BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE
MBABANE – Hundreds of emaSwati could soon secure meaningful employment as a major E50 million private sector investment gathers momentum, bringing with it 550 new jobs, fresh business opportunities and renewed confidence in Eswatini’s growing industrial sector.
For many job seekers, the development by Lituba Investments (Pty) Ltd represents far more than a new construction project. It offers hope for stable incomes, improved livelihoods and a stronger future for families who have long been searching for employment opportunities.
The project received a significant boost during a visit by Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, who toured the development to assess progress on what is expected to become one of the country’s important industrial investments.
The ambitious development combines manufacturing, commercial and retail infrastructure designed to strengthen Eswatini’s industrial capacity while creating hundreds of direct employment opportunities.
At the heart of the investment is a plastic manufacturing plant, which is expected to employ approximately 150 emaSwati once production begins. The project also includes a mixed-use residential and office complex, as well as a retail factory expected to generate a further 400 jobs.
When fully operational, the entire development is projected to provide employment for around 550 people, making it a significant contribution to the country’s ongoing efforts to reduce unemployment and stimulate economic activity.
Construction is currently being undertaken by KDE Engineering, with completion scheduled for October 2026. Once construction has been finalised, specialised machinery will be installed before manufacturing operations officially commence.
Speaking during the tour, Minister Khumalo described industrialisation as one of the key drivers of sustainable economic development. He encouraged leaders in every Inkhundla to identify suitable land that can be transformed into industrial sites capable of attracting local and international investors.
He further urged communities to work closely with Government in developing factory shells and industrial infrastructure, saying such partnerships would make it easier for investors to establish businesses while creating employment opportunities closer to where people live.
The Minister noted that decentralising industrial development would not only reduce migration to urban centres but also stimulate economic activity in rural communities, strengthen local businesses and improve household incomes across the country.
He emphasised that every successful investment strengthens Eswatini’s reputation as an attractive investment destination and demonstrates the country’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for business growth.
The Lituba Investments project also aligns with Government’s broader industrialisation strategy, which seeks to expand the manufacturing sector, diversify the economy and create sustainable employment opportunities for emaSwati.
As work continues on site, the development stands as a visible symbol of the positive impact that strategic private investment can have on communities. Beyond the buildings and machinery, it represents hundreds of families whose lives could soon be transformed through stable employment, increased economic activity and improved prospects for the future.
With construction progressing steadily towards completion, the investment is expected to play an important role in advancing Eswatini’s Vision 2030, supporting inclusive economic growth and reinforcing the country’s drive towards becoming a competitive industrial economy where more emaSwati can build prosperous and dignified livelihoods.
