Large corporations have been urged to play a more deliberate role in nurturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as part of efforts to build a resilient, inclusive, and competitive economy in Eswatini.
The call was made by the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, during the Business Eswatini (BE) Annual Reflections 2026, held under the theme “King, Country, Business.”
The Minister said collaboration between large and small businesses is critical to broad-based economic growth, job creation, and the long-term sustainability of the private sector.
“I want to earnestly urge our large corporations to continue their crucial role in ‘adopting’ and nurturing small businesses,” he said. “By providing mentorship, resources, and market access, big businesses strengthen and grow the Kingdom’s entire business landscape.”
He noted that such partnerships created a stable support system for emerging entrepreneurs, enabling SMEs to scale up, become more competitive, and integrate into value chains dominated by larger firms.
The Minister further highlighted that collaboration between businesses of different sizes was already yielding positive results and should be deepened as the country enters a new economic cycle in 2026.
“This collaborative ecosystem is fundamental to building a diverse, resilient, and inclusive economy,” he said.
Echoing the importance of partnership, BE Vice President, Anthony Geldard, said the past year had demonstrated the value of steady engagement and cooperation across the private sector, labour, and government. He reflected on 2025 as a year of learning and institutional maturity for BE, marked by deliberate action rather than dramatic shifts.
“Our economy cannot thrive without a productive workforce,” said Geldard, stressing that strong industrial relations remained central to a healthy business environment. He highlighted the role of dialogue and trust in enabling businesses of all sizes to grow and create jobs.
“Businesses can only grow and create jobs in an environment of trust, fairness, and mutual accountability,” he said, adding that BE would continue advocating for policies that balance business sustainability with workers’ welfare.
Meanwhile, BE President, Mvuselelo Fakudze, stressed the importance of collaboration from all sectors in driving economic success.
“If we continue to collaborate as the private sector, as workers, as policymakers, and indeed as government, our chances of success multiply exponentially,” he said.
He stressed that unity of purpose across all economic actors will be key to overcoming challenges and maximising opportunities in the year ahead.