The programme will be run by The Village Entrepreneurship, a South African organization that develops young entrepreneurs around the region. The training is aimed at teaching small business people practical ways of trading beyond borders on the African continent.
By Ntokozo Nkambule
The Minister of Commerce Industry and Trade has launched the Trade Activation Programme, (TAP) Eswatini Chapter.
The TAP is a partnership developed by the government through the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise Unit (MSME) and the Small Enterprises Development Company, MTN Eswatini, Junior Achievement (JA), Eswatini National Youth Council (ENYC), as well at the Village Entrepreneurship Foundation.
The Village Entrepreneurship is a South African organization that develops young entrepreneurs around the region. The training is aimed at teaching small business people practical ways of trading beyond borders on the African continent. The Ministry notes that it will work hand in hand with the foundation to ensure the success of the programme.
The Minister, Manqoba Khumalo was represented by the Under Secretary, Cebile Nhlabatsi during the event. Nhlabatsi recognized that MSMEs are the backbone of the Eswatini economy. “The growth of an SME to become a trader means the growth of an economy in terms of access to markets. The Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) presents initiatives that will expose the trader and its products to markets, locally and internationally”
EIPA Chief Executive Officer, Sibani Mngomezulu concurred with the Nhlabatsi stating that they would assist The Village Entrepreneurship on the TAP. “We are very much prepared to assist the TAP accredited entrepreneurs. We have programmes that can be of huge benefit to entrepreneurs once they have registered as trading companies”
The CEO shared that as the government agency responsible for the provision of trade and investment opportunities they will continue to assist by disseminating trade information using various mediums such as their website, seminars, webinars and business match-making arrangements.
He said they would also continue to assist in investment opportunities that are based on import substitution. He added that they also work with various government departments in assisting an investor to scan the business environment, getting permits and understanding available incentives and setting up a business.
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