BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE— The African Manufacturers Foundation (AMF) has announced the appointment of Macford Sibandze to its Board of Directors, marking a significant step in strengthening the organisation’s leadership as it advances its continental mandate.
Sibandze joins a distinguished board chaired by Her Excellency Dr Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, former President of the Republic of Mauritius. His appointment is expected to bolster the Foundation’s efforts to accelerate industrialisation, expand intra-African trade, and position African manufacturing as a competitive force in the global economy.
A respected public servant, Sibandze previously served as Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs for the Kingdom of Eswatini. He brings extensive experience in policy development, governance and economic strategy, alongside a demonstrated commitment to sustainable development and regional cooperation.
The AMF noted that Sibandze’s expertise will play a key role in advancing its flagship “Made and Celebrated in Africa” standard, an initiative aimed at promoting quality, innovation and pride in African-produced goods. In his new role, he will work closely with Dr Gurib-Fakim and fellow board members to provide strategic oversight and direction across the Foundation’s priority programmes.
Among the initiatives set to benefit from his leadership are the Digital Manufacturing Exhibition, which leverages emerging technologies to showcase African innovation and industrial capability; cross-border collaboration programmes designed to strengthen regional manufacturing value chains; and investment mobilisation platforms that connect African manufacturers with global financial institutions and partners.
Commenting on the appointment, AMF Chief Executive Officer Lebo Radebe described Sibandze as a valuable addition to the organisation’s leadership.
“We are delighted to welcome Sibandze to our Board,” said Radebe. “His visionary leadership and deep commitment to Africa’s development align strongly with our mission. We are confident that his contribution will help unlock new opportunities for manufacturers across the continent and support our drive towards inclusive industrial growth.”
The Foundation emphasised that the appointment reflects its ongoing commitment to strong governance and diverse leadership, as it continues to build a platform that supports innovation, competitiveness and sustainability within Africa’s manufacturing sector.
Sibandze’s inclusion on the Board comes at a time when African economies are increasingly prioritising industrial development as a pathway to economic resilience, job creation and value addition. Through strategic partnerships and targeted programmes, the AMF aims to support this shift and ensure that African manufacturers are equipped to compete both regionally and internationally.
His appointment signals a renewed focus on collaboration, investment and policy alignment, reinforcing the Foundation’s role as a catalyst for industrial transformation across the continent.
(Courtesy Pic)
