BY LINDELWA MYENI
MBABANE– Four micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Eswatini’s textile and clothing sector have received production equipment worth E350,000 under the Government’s Production Incentive Scheme (PIS) 2.0, in a move aimed at strengthening local manufacturing, improving competitiveness and creating jobs.
The equipment was officially handed over yesterday by the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Ambassador Melusi Masuku, on behalf of the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Hon. Manqoba Khumalo, during a ceremony held at the Hilton Garden Inn.
Implemented by the Ministry in partnership with the Eswatini National Industrial Development Corporation (ENIDC), the Production Incentive Scheme (PIS) 2.0 is designed to improve access to modern production equipment and affordable financing for enterprises operating in the textile and clothing industry.
Speaking during the event, Hon. Khumalo announced that the beneficiaries include Express Textile Mills, which received equipment valued at E250,000, Thuli’s Bridal Centre (E50,000), V&M Creations (E30,000) and Amandla Dressmaking (E20,000).
The Minister also revealed that the scheme has, over the past 12 months, disbursed E200,000 in interest-free loans to local MSMEs to support business expansion and increase production.
He said the initiative reflects Government’s commitment to promoting industrial development, enterprise growth and job creation, while encouraging the beneficiaries to use the equipment to improve productivity, enhance the quality of their products and expand their operations.
Hon. Khumalo further reaffirmed Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment that supports industrialisation, private sector development and sustainable economic growth.
