The government has called on Emaswati to increase local production as a direct response to Eswatini’s E32 billion annual import bill, saying greater support for locally made goods can create jobs, grow industry and strengthen the national economy.
Minister for Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo made the call during an MSME Seminar.
The minister said the country’s dependence on imported products continues to limit the growth of local industries and denies entrepreneurs opportunities in markets that already exist. 
“There is no magic bullet that will deliver our economic emancipation,” Khumalo said. He further mentioned that it starts with individuals and then the entire people across the country standing up and saying, ‘If it is to be, it is up to me.’
Khumalo told entrepreneurs, business owners and consumers that many of the goods currently imported into Eswatini could be manufactured locally.
He said redirecting even a portion of the E32 billion spent annually on imports would allow more money to remain within the domestic economy and stimulate industrial growth.
According to the minister, reducing imports is key to expanding the manufacturing sector and improving the country’s economic resilience.
He said increased local production would lead to employment creation and provide more opportunities for small and medium businesses to supply goods that are in consistent demand.
The Minister emphasized that government alone cannot drive economic transformation.
He urged citizens to take an active role by embracing entrepreneurship, innovation and the consumption of local products and services.
“Economic transformation requires participation from all sectors,” Khumalo said.
The minister further declaired that the government will provide policy direction and an enabling environment, however, the Minister stressed that businesses must invest and produce and consumers must choose to support what is made locally.
Minister Khumalo also highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at promoting local industry.
The Minister recognized the contribution of entrepreneur Melusi ‘Zox’ Dlamini and other strategic partners for their continued support of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
He said such initiatives are important in unlocking opportunities for MSMEs and in contributing to broader economic development.
Khumalo said one of the main barriers to industrial growth has been the tendency for both businesses and households to default to imported products, even where local alternatives exist.
He encouraged entrepreneurs to identify gaps in the market and invest in businesses capable of producing import-replacement goods.
Minister Khumalo told consumers that purchasing decisions have a direct impact on national economic performance.
“When you buy local, you support a business, you create a job, and you keep wealth circulating within Eswatini,” he said.
He also noted that every purchase is an investment in the country’s future.
The Minister said government is committed to working with the private sector and development partners to address challenges facing MSMEs, including access to finance, markets and business development support.
He noted that strengthening local value chains will be critical if Eswatini is to reduce its import bill in a sustainable manner.
Khumalo concluded by calling on all emaSwati to embrace the principle of ‘Buy Eswatini, Build Eswatini.’
He said a coordinated effort between government, the private sector and consumers is necessary to achieve long-term economic growth.
“A collective effort from government, businesses and consumers is essential,” he said.
