By Ncaba Ntshakala
Prime Minister Russell Dlamini welcomed a courtesy visit from Mulualem Syoum, who is the CEO of the AeTrade Group, alongside Chief Operating Officer Treasure Maphanga, at the Private and Cabinet Office recently.
The meeting, aimed at updating the government on the progress of the AeTrade Group’s continental initiatives, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to establishing its regional headquarters in the Kingdom.
In 2019, Eswatini secured the bid to host the regional headquarters of the AeTrade Group, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s economic development.
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The group’s flagship programs, including the Africa Job Creation Initiative targeting youth unemployment, and initiatives promoting digital and financial inclusion for MSMEs, women, and youth under the integrated digital ecosystem called “Sokokuu.Africa,” were highlighted during the meeting.
Prime Minister Russell Dlamini expressed his gratitude for the AeTrade Group’s continued commitment to establishing its operations in the Kingdom. To facilitate this process, he offered temporary locations for the group’s head offices until the permanent headquarters were built.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of collaboration between the AeTrade Group and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Trade to develop a comprehensive action plan.
This plan would outline key areas of cooperation to activate opportunities for Eswatini to serve as a regional hub for Southern Africa, focusing on job creation, digital and financial inclusion, and overall economic development.
In response, AeTrade CEO Syoum expressed appreciation for the Kingdom’s advocacy support, particularly from His Majesty King Mswati III, who chairs the Presidential Advisory Council of the AeTrade Group.
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 He highlighted the urgency of implementing grassroots programs that positively impact people’s lives, stressing the importance of collective efforts involving government, development partners, the United Nations, the private sector, and civil society stakeholders.
The African E-Trade Group (AeTrade) is a multi-stakeholder group of African professionals and business people with a vision to develop and implement an e-empowerment program that will enhance intra-and inter-African trade.
The group brings together public and private sector partners to develop projects that leverage the power of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for the benefit of Africa’s present and future entrepreneurs.
