Ezulwini – The Prime Minister (PM), Russell Dlamini, said the government gathered the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to inform policy decisions on unlocking their potential for growth. The PM was speaking through the minister of Economic Planning and Development, Dr Tambo Gina, at the opening of the inaugural three-day conference at the Royal Villas, Ezulwini, on Monday. The conference’s theme is to accelerate the growth, competitiveness, and resilience of micro, small, and medium enterprises, which remain the backbone of Eswatini’s economy.
“Most importantly, this gathering will produce evidence-based policy recommendations that will inform our national efforts in building a truly conducive environment for MSME growth,” the PM said.
The PM said the MSME Conference speaks directly to the heart of the National Development Plan (NDP).
Gina said MSMEs, world over, are recognised as engines of employment, innovation, and inclusive economic participation. He also said in Eswatini they are central to job creation, women and youth empowerment, and the diversification of our economy.
Gina said Eswatini’s economic future was bright because of resilient and innovative entrepreneurs, adding that it is the government’s responsibility to clear the path, reduce the barriers, and build a system that works for them.
“Their contribution to our GDP is not only significant, it is indispensable. Yet we know that their potential is still not fully realised. Too many entrepreneurs continue to face structural barriers, whether in accessing finance, navigating certification and regulatory requirements, embracing digital transformation, or connecting to reliable markets. This is why His Majesty’s Government continues to prioritise creating a strong, coherent, and enabling environment for MSMEs,” the PM said.
He said the country needs systems that finance entrepreneurs’ ambitions, equip them with skills, connect them to markets, and reward innovation, resilience, and quality.
“We see the ingenuity that drives this nation forward every day, from the young digital innovator in the city to the smallholder agro-processor in rural communities, as well as the craft maker, manufacturer, logistics operator, and creative entrepreneur.”
“If we are serious about accelerating economic transformation, then we must be serious about empowering MSMEs,” he said.
Discussion about this post