BY SIBUSISEKILE NDLANGAMANDLA
MANZINI – Women in Trade and Development (WITAD) is targeting the formalisation of 70% of the businesses it supports as part of efforts to move more women-owned enterprises into structured and competitive markets.
The organisation has also set a target to link 50% of these businesses to export markets, creating a pathway for women entrepreneurs to expand beyond local trade and access opportunities in international markets. The targets form part of WITAD’s broader work to strengthen women-owned businesses through skills development, business support and access to trade opportunities.
Formalisation will help the businesses establish stronger foundations through areas such as business registration, tax compliance, financial record-keeping and meeting required product and market standards.
For women entrepreneurs, these steps can also make it easier to build relationships with formal buyers and pursue opportunities that require businesses to demonstrate compliance and accountability.
WITAD has so far trained close to 2 000 women, with its programmes covering areas that include business development, product safety, agricultural standards, marketing and digital skills. The organisation is also preparing women-owned businesses to understand requirements that can affect their ability to enter larger markets.
Among these are environmental, social and governance considerations, product certification, traceability, packaging and labelling. The push towards formalisation comes as women entrepreneurs seek to take advantage of wider trade opportunities available to Eswatini businesses.
Businesses operating at grassroots level, the move from informal trading to formal enterprise can create a stronger basis for growth and improve their ability to engage with established buyers. WITAD’s approach therefore places emphasis not only on training women to produce goods, but also on strengthening the systems behind their businesses.
This includes helping entrepreneurs understand the importance of standards, documentation, financial management and responsible business practices. With more women-owned enterprises becoming structured and compliant, businesses can be better positioned to participate in formal supply chains and pursue opportunities beyond their immediate communities.
The initiative highlights the role of business formalisation in strengthening women’s participation in trade and supporting the growth of enterprises that can contribute to Eswatini’s economic development.
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