BY NELIWE NGUBANE
MBABANE – Eswatini’s E32 billion annual import bill presents a major opportunity for local businesses to expand production, create jobs and strengthen the country’s economy, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo has said.
Speaking at the MTN MoMo MSME Seminar in Mbabane, Khumalo challenged entrepreneurs, business owners and consumers to play a greater role in reducing the country’s dependence on imported goods by producing and supporting locally made products. He said many of the goods imported into Eswatini could be manufactured locally, allowing more money to remain within the country’s economy while stimulating industrial growth.
“There is no magic bullet that will deliver our economic emancipation,” said Khumalo. “It starts with the people in this room and others across the country standing up and saying, ‘If it is to be, it is up to me.’”
The Minister said the country’s heavy reliance on imports continues to limit the growth of local industries and denies entrepreneurs opportunities to supply products that are already in demand. He encouraged aspiring and established entrepreneurs to identify gaps in the market and invest in businesses capable of replacing imported goods.
According to Khumalo, reducing imports would not only create employment opportunities but also strengthen Eswatini’s manufacturing sector and improve the country’s economic resilience.
He stressed that government alone cannot drive economic transformation and called on citizens to become active participants by embracing entrepreneurship, innovation and local production.
Khumalo also applauded Her Royal Highness Princess Sakhizwe for her leadership in advancing the Made in Eswatini campaign, which promotes the consumption of locally produced goods and services.
He further recognised entrepreneur Melusi “Zox” Dlamini and strategic partners for their continued support of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), saying their initiatives are helping unlock opportunities for entrepreneurs and contribute to economic development.
The Minister urged consumers to view every purchasing decision as an investment in the country’s future, saying buying locally made products supports businesses, creates jobs and keeps wealth circulating within Eswatini.
He concluded by calling on all Emaswati to embrace the principle, “Buy Eswatini, Build Eswatini,” saying a collective effort from government, businesses and consumers is essential to achieving sustainable economic growth.
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