The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Trade has officially launched the inaugural Eswatini Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Conference 2025, an event aimed at empowering entrepreneurs in the country.
The conference, themed “Unlocking Opportunities for MSMEs in Eswatini”, will take place from 10-12 November 2025 at the Royal Villas Hotel in Ezulwini, a hub for several successful local tourist MSMEs.
It is expected to attract approximately 250 delegates, including representatives from local and regional MSMEs, private sector companies, government ministries, financial institutions, and international development organizations.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, described the conference as “a movement that aims to empower entrepreneurs, strengthen collaboration between MSMEs and public-private partners, and accelerate economic transformation in Eswatini.”
The launch is aligned with His Majesty King Mswati III’s Nkwe mandate for accelerated economic transformation, which seeks to raise the nation’s growth rate to 12% by 2029. Minister Khumalo emphasized the importance of MSMEs in driving job creation, empowering women and youth, and diversifying the national economy.
The Minister added that the conference hinges on a broad programme to strengthen the MSME ecosystem in Eswatini, which is currently being implemented by the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Company (SEDCO).
“The Eswatini MSME Conference is envisioned as an annual national platform that will shine a spotlight on local enterprises, recognizing that they contribute significantly towards Eswatini’s Growth Domestic Product (GDP),” the Minister said.
Through workshops, trade shows, expert panel discussions, and networking sessions, entrepreneurs will gain practical strategies to address funding gaps, market access challenges, and technological innovations.
Minister Khumalo further highlighted the support of international development partners, including the European Union through the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which have been instrumental in strengthening the local MSME ecosystem and enhancing competitiveness on domestic, regional, and global markets.
Calling on both public and private stakeholders to participate, the Minister urged local companies and government departments to provide financial, in-kind, or partnership support to ensure the conference’s success.
“I do not doubt that with these partners on board, the platform will grow phenomenally and attract more private sector involvement,” said Minister Khumalo. “Let us work together to unlock a prosperous Eswatini created by MSMEs.”