BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI– For 60 emaSwati, the opening of Build It Plus – The Junction is more than the arrival of a new business in the city—it means new jobs, new opportunities and a chance to earn a living as the E60 million investment begins operations.
The new development was officially opened on July 24, 2026, by Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, alongside Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Apollo Maphalala, marking another milestone in Manzini’s growing commercial landscape.
Speaking during the official opening, Khumalo described the E60 million development as “a strong vote of confidence in Eswatini’s economy and business environment.”
The investment has created employment for 60 emaSwati while strengthening local supply chains and supporting sustainable economic growth.
Khumalo applauded the Essa Family for their longstanding entrepreneurial journey, which began in Eswatini in 1979, and commended their continued commitment to expanding local enterprise.
He also praised the family for investing in communities through education, youth development and other social initiatives, saying such efforts demonstrate the broader impact of responsible business.
The Minister said the development was an example of how private sector investment can contribute to job creation, strengthen local businesses and support national economic growth.
He reaffirmed Government’s commitment to creating an environment that enables businesses to invest and grow.
“Government remains committed to implementing policies that promote investment, improve the ease of doing business, support industrialisation and encourage entrepreneurship across all sectors of the economy,” Khumalo said.
The Minister also called on investors to take advantage of the opportunities available in the country, emphasising the importance of cooperation between Government and the private sector.
“We encourage both local and international investors to seize the opportunities available in Eswatini. Government remains committed to working closely with the private sector to unlock investment, innovation, manufacturing and trade,” he said.
Khumalo’s remarks come as Manzini continues to strengthen its position as one of Eswatini’s key commercial centres, with new investments contributing to economic activity and creating opportunities for businesses and communities.
The E60 million development is expected to strengthen local supply chains while supporting sustainable economic growth and contributing to the expansion of the construction and retail sectors.
The 60 jobs created by the investment represent an important contribution to employment opportunities for emaSwati, with the development expected to support livelihoods and stimulate economic activity across the wider value chain.
Suppliers, contractors, transport operators and other service providers linked to the retail and construction sectors are also expected to benefit from the increased business activity generated by the new outlet.
The development is expected to provide customers with access to building materials, hardware and home improvement products, supporting the needs of homeowners, contractors and the growing construction and property development sectors.
The opening further highlights the importance of collaboration between Government and the private sector in creating an enabling environment where businesses can invest, expand and create employment.
For Manzini, the opening adds another major investment to the city’s expanding commercial landscape, reinforcing its position as an important centre for business and trade in Eswatini.
The E60 million investment and 60 jobs created reflect the potential of private sector investment to contribute to economic development and improve livelihoods.
As Build It Plus – The Junction begins operations, the development stands as a symbol of investor confidence in Eswatini, while the jobs created offer tangible opportunities for emaSwati and their families.
The opening also sends a positive message to potential investors about the opportunities available in the country and the importance of continued cooperation between Government and the private sector in building a stronger and more inclusive economy.
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(Courtesy Pic)
