…..minister says paying MSMEs on time is National Priority
BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
MBABANE – The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade has taken a bold step to protect and empower Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by announcing that payments owed to them will now be given top priority across government, parastatals, and the private sector.
The move comes as part of the newly launched National MSME Policy 2024–2029, which recognizes the crucial role MSMEs play in job creation, poverty reduction, and driving Eswatini’s economic growth. The Ministry’s decision responds to longstanding concerns from entrepreneurs who have struggled with delayed payments, threatening their survival and ability to expand.
Answering a Growing Concern
Over recent years, MSMEs across Eswatini have repeatedly raised alarm about the impact of delayed payments on their businesses. For many, such delays meant failure to service loans, repossession of assets, and even the closure of once-promising enterprises. These struggles ripple into communities, often resulting in job losses and a slowdown in local development.
Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, acknowledged these challenges and assured the business community that his ministry has now taken decisive steps to address them.
“We are committed to ensuring sustainability and growth for our MSMEs. By prioritizing their payments, we are not only honoring our obligations but also empowering entrepreneurs to thrive, innovate and contribute meaningfully to national development,” said Khumalo.
Putting Accountability at the Center
The Ministry has directed all institutions, government ministries, parastatals, and private companies, to prioritize outstanding invoices owed to MSMEs. By doing so, the government aims to guarantee that smaller businesses maintain healthy cashflows, avoid unnecessary debt burdens, and continue playing their vital role in Eswatini’s economy.
Khumalo revealed that government is also tackling cases where invoices were not submitted for payment unless bribes were offered. Such practices, he emphasized, are criminal and will not be tolerated. MSMEs have been urged to report any such unlawful conduct to protect the integrity of the sector.
“We cannot allow corruption and bureaucratic delays to stifle the growth of businesses that are creating jobs for our people,” Khumalo stated firmly.
Empowering the Heartbeat of the Economy
MSMEs make up the largest segment of Eswatini’s business sector. They supply goods and services that fuel economic activity nationwide, often operating with limited resources and thin margins. For these enterprises, timely payment is the difference between growth and collapse.
The Ministry’s prioritization policy reflects a recognition that without strong MSMEs, the national economy cannot reach its full potential. By clearing overdue payments and ensuring smooth processing of invoices, government and its partners are enabling entrepreneurs to expand, invest in innovation, and hire more people.
A New Era of Confidence for Entrepreneurs
The announcement is already being welcomed as a sign of a more business-friendly environment. For many small business owners, the commitment by the Ministry restores hope and trust in the system. It also aligns with Eswatini’s broader vision of inclusive growth, where every entrepreneur, regardless of size, has a fair chance to succeed.
“MSMEs are the heartbeat of our economy,” Khumalo concluded. “Our responsibility is to nurture them, not strangle them with red tape and delays. By prioritizing payments, we are building a stronger, more resilient Eswatini.”
(Courtesy Pic)
