By Delisa Thwala
Eswatini’s government has ramped up efforts to boost industrial development and job creation, with plans to construct 10 factory shells annually.
This ambitious strategy, announced by Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg during his Budget Speech last Friday, is expected to attract over E1 billion in investments and generate approximately 4,000 jobs each year.
Rijkenberg revealed that the construction of the Johnson Workwear factory shell is progressing well and will be completed within six months.
Once operational, the facility is expected to employ over 2,000 people, significantly contributing to employment in the manufacturing sector.
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In addition, the reconstruction of the Hlathikhulu factory shell, previously destroyed by fire, has been completed, opening doors for 450 job seekers.
Meanwhile, the Gamula factory shell began operations in January, and the Ndzevane facility has been finalized, promising jobs for just over 1,000 people.
Further expansions are also underway at Ngwenya and Piggs Peak, where factory shells are nearing completion. These are expected to provide 1,000 and 450 jobs, respectively.
Recognizing the vital role of industrialization in economic growth, the government has allocated E140 million in the national budget for the construction of factory shells.
This investment is in line with the broader goal of enhancing Eswatini’s appeal as a manufacturing hub and attracting both local and foreign investors.
Rijkenberg emphasized that these efforts are key to reducing unemployment and diversifying the economy.
“Industrial growth is essential for our economic stability. By developing more factory shells, we are creating the infrastructure needed to support investors and job seekers alike,”he said.
Echoing Rijkenberg’s sentiments, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Trade Manqoba Khumalo hailed the initiative as a significant step towards economic diversification and sustainability.
“This expansion of factory shells is a game-changer for Eswatini’s industrial sector,” Khumalo stated.
“Our focus is to move away from an overreliance on agriculture and small-scale industries by strengthening manufacturing. These factory shells will provide a platform for investors, create employment, and improve livelihoods.”
Khumalo further noted that the government is actively engaging with investors to ensure that once the factory shells are completed, they do not remain vacant.
“We are working closely with both local and international companies to ensure that these spaces are fully utilized,” he added.
The development of factory shells across Eswatini aligns with the government’s broader strategy to tackle unemployment, boost exports, and enhance industrial productivity.
With a commitment to building 10 new factory shells per year, the initiative is set to have a transformative impact on the job market, providing consistent employment opportunities.
As the government moves ahead with this initiative, stakeholders in the private sector are encouraged to seize the opportunity and establish manufacturing ventures in these industrial hubs.
The future of Eswatini’s manufacturing sector looks promising, and with the right investments, the country could soon position itself as a key player in regional and global supply chains.
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Khumalo further said, with unemployment remaining a pressing issue in Eswatini, the factory shell initiative is expected to create long-term job opportunities, particularly for young people and unskilled workers.
The 10-factory-shell-per-year policy is designed to address the persistent demand for industrial space while also catering to emerging industries such as textiles, agribusiness, and light manufacturing.
He said, this move aligns with the government’s broader strategy to promote local production, reduce imports, and strengthen Eswatini’s position as a key player in regional trade.
“ Additionally, stakeholders in the private sector are encouraged to take advantage of these developments, as the government has positioned Eswatini as an attractive destination for manufacturing investments,” said the Minister.
He further mentioned that, with adequate infrastructure in place, Eswatini is set to become a competitive industrial hub in Southern Africa.
“As the construction of new factory shells gains momentum, it is evident that this initiative is more than just an infrastructure project it represents a bold vision for economic transformation and a future where industrialization plays a central role in job creation and economic resilience,” he said.
