BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE
MBABANE – Eswatini is on the brink of a major industrial milestone as Eswatini Quantum Works (Pty) Ltd prepares to establish a state of the art aluminium and copper cable manufacturing plant at Nokwane, a project expected to create jobs, develop local skills, boost exports and strengthen the country’s position as a regional manufacturing hub.
The project, commissioned two weeks ago by the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Honourable Manqoba Khumalo, is backed by investors from Pakistan and is being hailed as a significant step towards accelerating Eswatini’s industrialisation agenda.
Speaking during an interview on Market View on Eswatini TV, company representative Iskender Bektemir outlined the vision behind the investment, describing it as more than just another manufacturing venture.
According to Bektemir, the company chose Eswatini after recognising its investor friendly environment, reliable infrastructure and enormous industrial potential.
“Part of growing cooperation between our countries through Pakistan and Eswatini, we were impressed by the support of the government, the friendly people and the good business environment,” he said.
“We chose Eswatini because it has good infrastructure, attractive industrial locations and strong potential for industrial growth. We believe this country can become an important manufacturing centre for the region.”
One of the project’s most notable commitments is its promise to prioritise local employment. Bektemir revealed that the company intends for at least 80 percent of its workforce to consist of emaSwati, including skilled, technical and management positions.
“Our goal is for at least 80 percent of the jobs to go to local people. This includes skilled and management positions. We want local people to become an important part of the company at all levels,” he said.
Although a limited number of specialised positions will initially be occupied by foreign experts, Bektemir emphasised that the long term objective is to transfer knowledge and empower more emaSwati to assume leadership roles within the company.
Training and skills development, he added, will be central to the project’s success.
“We will provide all training at the workplace and support from experienced specialists. They will share all the knowledge they know with local employees. We also want to give 13th salary opportunities and chances to grow and move into higher positions in the future.”
He explained that building a highly skilled local workforce is essential for ensuring the factory’s long term sustainability while creating career opportunities that extend well beyond entry level employment.
Addressing concerns often raised about labour standards among foreign investors, Bektemir also committed the company to fair employment practices, saying employees will receive competitive remuneration alongside additional benefits aimed at improving worker welfare.
While the Nokwane facility will primarily manufacture aluminium and copper cables for export markets, Bektemir stressed that the benefits would be felt throughout the local economy.
He said the project will generate employment, support local businesses by sourcing goods and services domestically wherever possible, contribute tax revenue and bring valuable foreign currency into Eswatini through exports.
Importantly, part of the factory’s production will also be supplied to the domestic market, helping reduce reliance on imported cable products.
Bektemir believes the investment could also act as a catalyst for attracting more foreign direct investment into Eswatini.
“We believe this project can also encourage other investors to come to Eswatini. In this way, the benefits can go far beyond our own factory.”
Looking beyond immediate economic gains, Bektemir said the company’s ultimate ambition is to leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
“We hope future generations will also benefit from the skills, jobs and industrial development created by this project.”
He also spoke warmly about his experience in the Kingdom, praising both the country’s natural beauty and the hospitality he has received since arriving.
“The Kingdom of Eswatini is a very beautiful country. You have lovely people, very friendly people. I am very happy to be here to help move some projects between our countries.”
Bektemir extended his appreciation to His Majesty King Mswati III, the Government of Eswatini and ordinary emaSwati for the support shown throughout the project’s development.
If the company delivers on its commitments, the Nokwane cable manufacturing plant could become far more than an export oriented factory. It has the potential to create meaningful employment, equip emaSwati with valuable industrial skills, strengthen local supply chains, increase export earnings and reinforce Eswatini’s ambition of becoming a competitive manufacturing destination within the Southern African region.
For many citizens, the true success of the investment will ultimately be measured not only by the cables exported across borders, but by the opportunities created, the livelihoods improved and the industrial legacy built for generations to come.
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