BY PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
MBABANE – New certification scheme to empower local MSMEs known as Ingelo has been officially launched, and it brings E300 000 for 20 small businesses.
The new certification scheme is aimed at providing evidence of conformity as it was established that MSMEs predominantly did not possess business management skills and vocational training. The scheme has the potential to facilitate MSME cross border trade.
Ingelo certification scheme was launched today (Thursday, November 14, 2024) at Royal Villas Hotel by Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo through the support of UNDP. Khumalo mentioned that UNDP had tasked SWASA, Micro, Small and Medium Entreprises (MSME) Department, QIRD and SDCO to work collaboratively to develop a certification scheme for MSMEs.
Khumalo also revealed that E300 000 had already been pumped into the scheme to assist the first group of small businesses while adding that 20 MSMEs has already been selected and trained for the certification process.
Coming back to the name, Ingelo, Khumalo said it was inspired by a local tool used for carving wood to form essential wooden products such as ‘umgcwembe’.
“Through this incubation certification scheme, we want to carve and support our MSMEs until they are ready produce quality and safe products that can attract export markets. The scheme will work through various standards including a newly developed national cottage standard developed by SWASA. This standard will ensure that the production sites and procedures or systems are safe and adhere to quality standards,” Khumalo said at the launch.
The Minister said the chosen MSMEs will receive technical support and guidance to ensure their production cottage sites comply with established standards, along with additional assistance for certification and product testing services.
The event was graced by UNDP Resident Representative, SWASA and SEDCO representatives, businesspeople and senior government officials.
In addition, Khumalo said the allocated funds would cover the high costs of product testing.
“His Majesty’s government will continue to invest in these initiatives, including the development of necessary laboratory facilities and production cottages, to ensure that more MSMEs can participate in the product certification process at minimal cost,” he added.
He said the certification scheme was not just about creating opportunities; it is about levelling the playing field.
“We want our MSMEs to have the same access to markets as larger enterprises, breaking down barriers of trade that have held them back for far too long. With the support of SWASA and UNDP, we are committed to creating an ecosystem that recognizes and values the contributions of these businesses to our economy,” he said.
While speaking on behalf of the selected small businesses, Nkosephayo Manyatsi said this was a much needed tool required to access broader markets where they will showcase their quality products. On the other hand, OK Foods Director Lincon Motsa hoped this scheme would assist established businesses in getting quality and safe products from small businesses.
