Mbabane – Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba B. Khumalo has called on Parliament, the private sector, financial institutions and other stakeholders to play their part in driving citizen economic empowerment.
Khumalo made the call during a workshop with Members of the House of Assembly Portfolio Committee, which focused on the Citizen Economic Empowerment Act No. 18 of 2023 and its Regulations.
He said the success of the legislation would depend on how effectively the different stakeholders worked together to ensure that the opportunities created were accessible to citizens.
Khumalo challenged Parliamentarians to provide effective oversight of the implementation of the Regulations and ensure that the process was guided by transparency and accountability.
He also said citizens needed to be educated about the opportunities available to them under the legislation.
Beyond Government and Parliament, the Minister called on financial institutions, training providers and investors to align their programmes with the national economic empowerment agenda.
He said access to finance, skills development and investment was necessary if citizen-owned businesses were to take advantage of opportunities created through the Act.
Khumalo acknowledged the contribution of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other development partners in developing the Regulations.
He also recognised the participation of business federations, youth chambers and traditional leaders during the consultation process.
“Empowerment is not a government programme alone, but a national mission requiring collective responsibility,” Khumalo said.
He said building an economy in which Emaswati could participate, own businesses and productive assets, grow their enterprises and benefit from economic activity required a collective effort from Government, Parliament, the private sector, development partners, civil society and communities.
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