Ezulwini- Eswatini spends an estimated E32 billion every year importing goods, many of which could be manufactured locally, a trend the government says continues to drain wealth from the domestic economy while limiting opportunities for industrial growth and job creation.
Speaking at the MTN MoMo MSME Seminar, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo urged Emaswati to support locally produced goods and build businesses capable of replacing imports, saying the country’s economic transformation depends on strengthening domestic production.
Khumalo said reducing reliance on imported products would allow billions of Emalangeni to remain within the local economy, creating employment, expanding local industries and increasing opportunities for entrepreneurs.
“There is no magic bullet that will deliver our economic emancipation,” the Minister said. “It starts with the people in this room and others across the country standing up and confronting the situation,” he stressed.
He said government alone cannot drive economic transformation, stressing that citizens have a critical role to play by investing in businesses, embracing innovation and producing goods that meet local demand.
According to the Minister, many products currently imported into Eswatini can be manufactured domestically, making the Buy Eswatini campaign an important vehicle for industrialisation and economic growth.
Khumalo encouraged consumers to regard every purchase of a locally manufactured product as an investment in the country’s future, saying buying local not only supports businesses but also creates jobs and strengthens the national economy.
The Minister also applauded Princess Sakhizwe for her continued leadership in promoting the Made in Eswatini campaign, which encourages consumers to prioritise locally produced goods and services.
He further acknowledged the efforts of Melusi ‘Zox’ Dlamini and other stakeholders for championing initiatives that support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and create opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Khumalo concluded by calling on Emaswati to embrace the Buy Eswatini, Build Eswatini philosophy, saying reducing unnecessary imports and supporting local industries would help retain more of the country’s wealth, stimulate economic growth and create sustainable employment opportunities.
Discussion about this post