Mbabane – The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, led by Honourable Minister Manqoba Khumalo, met with the Business Federation of Eswatini (BUFE) leadership to discuss private sector participation in activities surrounding the upcoming COMESA Summit.
BUFE called for greater inclusion of indigenous Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country’s economic value chain. The federation proposed that 30% of procurement linked to national events hosted by the Ministry be reserved for local businesses, particularly those under the Made in Eswatini initiative, to promote growth and economic participation.
Minister Khumalo welcomed the discussion and encouraged the business community to use existing platforms, including Parliament and the Eswatini Competition Commission, to raise procurement challenges and advocate for fair opportunities. He also noted that the forthcoming Citizens Economic Empowerment Act will strengthen mechanisms to increase participation of emaSwati in the mainstream economy.
The Director of International Trade added that the COMESA Business Forum, organised by the COMESA Business Council, will bring together regional business leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs ahead of the summit, offering opportunities for networking, partnerships, and trade promotion across the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa region.
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