Ezulwini – The Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, has announced that the inaugural Eswatini Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Conference will be held from 10 to 12 November 2025 at the Royal Villas Hotel in Ezulwini.
Speaking during the launch of the event, Khumalo said the conference will run under the theme “Unlocking Opportunities for MSMEs in Eswatini” and will bring together more than 250 delegates representing local and regional MSMEs, government ministries, the private sector, financial institutions, and international development partners.
He said the conference aims to empower entrepreneurs, strengthen collaboration, and accelerate Eswatini’s economic transformation in line with His Majesty King Mswati III’s Nkwe mandate, which targets 12 percent national economic growth by 2029.
“The MSME sector is an important engine for job creation, youth and women empowerment, and economic diversification,” Khumalo said. “This conference will provide a platform for sharing ideas, networking, and building partnerships that can unlock new growth opportunities for our entrepreneurs.”
The minister said that the conference will feature trade exhibitions, expert panel discussions, and interactive sessions addressing challenges faced by MSMEs such as access to finance, market linkages, innovation, and digital transformation.
He further acknowledged the role of international partners, particularly the European Union through the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in supporting Eswatini’s efforts to strengthen its MSME ecosystem. These partners have been instrumental in initiatives such as the review of the National MSME Policy, the establishment of a certification and standards scheme, and the promotion of entrepreneurship hubs and digital integration.
Khumalo appealed to all government departments, private companies, and organisations to support the conference through partnerships, sponsorships, or pledges, saying collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential to unlocking the full potential of MSMEs.
He expressed optimism that the Eswatini MSME Conference will grow into a premier annual event that continues to drive innovation and sustainable growth within the local business landscape.
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