Mbabane- The business Federation of Eswatini has proposed a 30% local procurement quota for indigenous business in activities linked to the upcoming Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) summit , intensifying calls for greater inclusion of Micro , small and medium Enterprise (MSMEs) in national economic opportunies.
The proposal was tabled during a high-level engagement between the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, led by Minister Manqoba Khumalo, and BUFE leadership, as government and private sector align on participation strategies for the regional event.
At the centre of discussions was the need to ensure that local enterprises, particularly those operating under the Made in Eswatini initiative, are not sidelined in procurement processes tied to high-profile national events. BUFE argued that ring-fencing a portion of these opportunities would serve as a catalyst for MSME growth, while strengthening domestic value chains.
The organisation’s 30 percent proposal reflects growing pressure from the private sector for policy-backed mechanisms that move beyond rhetoric and deliver tangible market access for emaSwati-owned businesses.
Responding to the proposal, Minister Khumalo acknowledged the importance of inclusive economic participation but pointed to existing institutional channels through which such concerns can be formally addressed. He encouraged the business community to leverage platforms such as Parliament and the Eswatini Competition Commission to advocate for fair procurement practices.
Khumalo further signalled that legislative intervention may soon reshape the landscape, noting that the forthcoming Citizens Economic Empowerment Act is expected to introduce stronger mechanisms to increase local participation in the mainstream economy.
“The framework we are developing is intended to ensure that emaSwati are not just participants, but meaningful beneficiaries in economic activity,” he indicated.
Beyond procurement, discussions also highlighted the strategic importance of the COMESA Business Forum, which will precede the main summit. Organised by the COMESA Business Council, the forum is expected to convene regional business leaders, policymakers and entrepreneurs, creating a platform for deal-making, partnerships and market expansion.
For local businesses, the convergence of regional players presents both an opportunity and a risk, opportunity in terms of exposure to new markets and investors, but risk if domestic firms are not adequately positioned to compete or participate.
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