BY MFANUFIKILEKHATHWANE
MBABANE- Eswatini has taken a decisive step toward economic transformation with the unveiling of the Made in Eswatini Strategic Compass 2026–2028, a forward-looking roadmap designed to fuel the next generation of job creators and strengthen national pride in local products.
At the heart of the strategy is a powerful vision: to cultivate the Made in Eswatini brand into a globally trusted mark of quality, innovation, and authenticity. The initiative positions locally made products and services at the centre of consumer choice and policy priorities, driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the Kingdom.
The Strategic Compass is anchored on five key pillars, growing market knowledge, expanding market access, increasing entrepreneurial capacity, building consumer trust and awareness, and championing sustainability. Together, these pillars aim to inspire a mindset shift toward self-reliance, innovation, and entrepreneurship, transforming producers into job creators and consumers into proud advocates of local brands.
Early results already demonstrate the initiative’s impact. In 2025, Made in Eswatini activities created casual jobs, attracted hundreds of delegates to masterclasses and forums, and brought together more than 140 MSMEs at the Consumer Fair in Mbabane. Women-led and youth-led enterprises featured strongly, highlighting the initiative’s commitment to inclusive economic participation.
The Consumer Fair and Choice Awards further showed growing confidence in local products, with several product lines selling out and thousands of consumers engaging directly with Eswatini-made goods. Media coverage and digital reach generated significant publicity, amplifying the message that local products are competitive, trusted, and desirable.
Looking ahead to 2026–2028, the strategy sets ambitious outcomes: institutionalising the Made in Eswatini brand, enhancing youth entrepreneurial capacity across all sectors, influencing consistent consumer preference for local goods, and creating sustainable employment opportunities.
Backed by strong partnerships involving government, the private sector, and international development agencies, the Made in Eswatini movement is more than a campaign, it is a national call to action. By choosing local, Eswatini is choosing jobs, innovation, and a resilient future driven by its own people.
