Mbabane – The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade Eswatini officially launched The Business of Fashion IP Programme this morning, bringing together stakeholders from across the creative sector. The initiative aims to strengthen Eswatini’s creative economy by helping designers and artisans turn their talent into structured, sustainable businesses.
Ambassador Melusi Masuku, Principal Secretary at the Ministry, said the country is rich in creativity, talent, and cultural heritage, but much of this value has remained informal and under-protected. “Intellectual Property is not merely a legal formality; it is a business growth strategy,” he said.
The programme will offer participants practical support, including IP training, workshops, digital visibility platforms, and mentoring. These resources are designed to help creatives safeguard their work, build their brands, and explore new markets locally and abroad, while fostering youth employment and women’s empowerment.
Masuku encouraged creatives to adopt a proactive approach: “Protect your work. Register your brands early. Structure your businesses. Think beyond garments – explore licensing, collaborations, and export markets.”
The Ministry said it is committed to creating an enabling environment where Eswatini’s fashion and visual industries can compete on the global stage, ensuring that creativity is protected, valued, monetised, and internationally recognised.
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