The Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, has issued a strong warning, stating that Eswatini’s private sector is at risk of stagnation if micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) fail to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation.
Speaking at the AI & Digital Transformation Youth Summit 2025, held at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) Sports Emporium in Kwaluseni, Khumalo noted that MSMEs drive 90% of Eswatini’s private sector activity, yet the majority remain digitally excluded in a rapidly evolving world.
Khumalo emphasized that artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept but a practical tool that can help MSMEs boost productivity, improve customer service, and stay competitive both domestically and internationally.
He outlined several practical AI applications relevant to the local private sector, including:
• Predictive analytics for smarter inventory management
• AI-driven customer engagement tools to enhance service delivery
• Mobile-based commerce solutions that expand market reach
The Minister stressed the importance of building awareness and capacity among small businesses, many of which still operate informally and are unaware of the economic benefits of digitization.
“Summits like this one are vital for sharing knowledge, promoting tech adoption, and bridging the divide between informal traders and modern markets,” he said.
Khumalo used the summit platform to announce the upcoming Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, an initiative under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade aimed at celebrating businesses that demonstrate innovation and resilience.
“I encourage all prospective entrants to showcase how they are integrating technology and AI into their operations,” he said. “Innovation is not just about invention; it’s about relevance.”
He urged Eswatini’s entrepreneurs to look beyond traditional business models and reimagine their approaches using digital tools.
The Minister also lauded the efforts of African tech entrepreneurs such as Talifhani Banks, the South African founder and CEO of Spaza Eats, who delivered a keynote address at the summit. Spaza Eats has been instrumental in transforming township food businesses through logistics and mobile technology.
“We must begin to imagine similar solutions in Eswatini’s context,” Khumalo said, pointing out that local innovation should draw from continental success stories while addressing uniquely Swati challenges.
Khumalo concluded his address by aligning the summit’s goals with the broader national agenda under the 2025 “Year of Transformation,” a vision led by His Majesty King Mswati III.
“We must not just consume global tech trends; we must shape them,” the Minister declared. “AI presents a moment of reckoning for MSMEs: either adapt and thrive, or risk falling behind.”