BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI – Building wealth requires more than simply having money to invest; it requires knowledge, careful decision-making and a clear understanding of risk. This was among the key messages emerging on Day 7 of the ongoing Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) 2026, during an Eswatini Stock Exchange (ESE) business seminar.
Hosted at the UNDP Sustainable Centre under the theme “Unlocking Business Growth Through Capital Markets,” the seminar brought together business leaders, investors and key stakeholders to explore how capital markets can support enterprise growth, mobilise investment and contribute to Eswatini’s broader economic transformation.
Speaking during a panel discussion, AlphSZ Group Chief Executive Officer Thandile Nxumalo urged prospective investors to avoid committing their money to financial products they do not fully understand.
Nxumalo stressed that financial literacy, proper due diligence and a clear understanding of risk were essential for anyone seeking to participate meaningfully in capital markets and build sustainable long-term wealth.
She encouraged investors to take time to understand the different investment vehicles available to them, including how they work and the potential risks associated with each option.
The AlphSZ Group CEO said informed investment decisions were critical, particularly as more ordinary emaSwati look towards financial markets as a pathway towards building and preserving wealth for the future.
Her message reinforced the importance of responsible investing, with Nxumalo highlighting that investment opportunities should be carefully assessed rather than pursued without adequate knowledge of the products involved.
Meanwhile, ESE Chief Executive Officer Simanga Mdluli used the Day 7 platform at the EITF to call for stronger support from government institutions, policymakers, legislators and other strategic stakeholders in unlocking the full potential of Eswatini’s capital markets.
Mdluli said government and its stakeholders had a critical role to play in creating an enabling environment capable of encouraging investment, innovation and entrepreneurship.
He further called for efforts to make capital markets accessible and beneficial to ordinary citizens seeking to build long-term wealth.
Mdluli said relevant institutions also needed to consider incentives that could encourage more companies to list on the stock exchange.
“We must also help us create tax incentives for companies that choose to list on the exchange,” Mdluli said.
He said such interventions could help strengthen long-term investment and support efforts aimed at building wealth for future generations.
The ESE CEO also appealed directly to policymakers and legislators to support the regulatory reforms necessary to modernise Eswatini’s capital markets.
“Let us support the regulatory reforms that are needed to modernise our capital markets. Let us create an enabling environment that encourages innovation, investment and entrepreneurship,” he said.
Mdluli warned that Eswatini could not afford to delay critical reforms while other economies continued to advance.
“The world will not wait for us. We must move with purpose and urgency,” he said.
Turning to the Ministry of Finance, Mdluli appealed for the continued prioritisation of capital market development as a key pillar of national economic transformation.
He said a thriving economy depended on strong mechanisms capable of mobilising capital and directing investment towards productive sectors.
Mdluli described a strong stock exchange as critical economic infrastructure, arguing that its importance should be viewed alongside other foundations of national development.
“A strong stock exchange, I would argue, is economic infrastructure. It is as important as roads, electricity, telecommunications and all,” he said.
He also acknowledged the continued partnership and support of the Central Bank, saying the modernisation of Eswatini’s financial infrastructure would be vital in building deeper, more liquid and efficient markets.
According to Mdluli, collaboration between financial institutions, regulators, policymakers and the ESE could help build a financial ecosystem capable of serving all emaSwati.
The seminar highlighted the growing importance of capital markets as an alternative avenue through which businesses can raise capital, diversify their funding sources and expand their operations.
By equipping local enterprises and potential investors with greater knowledge of capital market instruments, the ESE is seeking to strengthen participation in the financial sector while supporting broader efforts towards inclusive economic growth.
As the EITF 2026 entered its seventh day, the discussion placed renewed focus on the role of informed investors, progressive policies and modern financial infrastructure in positioning Eswatini for long-term economic advancement.
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