A newly established garment manufacturing company in Matsanjeni has created hundreds of employment opportunities for emaSwati, providing a boost to the local economy and bringing jobs closer to communities.
Jeroma Manufacturing, which commenced operations three months ago, has already employed 310 people and is expected to recruit an additional 90 employees within the next two weeks, bringing its workforce to 400.
The company manufactures a range of clothing products, including overalls, jackets and shorts, which are exported to the South African market. 
Its rapid growth has been welcomed as a positive sign of increased investment and industrial development in the country.
Minister for Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo visited the company on Monday, accompanied by Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) CEO Sibane Mngomezulu, where he commended the business for choosing Eswatini as an investment destination.
Khumalo said the establishment and expansion of companies such as Jeroma Manufacturing demonstrated the impact of investment on communities, particularly through employment creation.
He highlighted that the availability of jobs within communities was helping to ease the burden on job seekers who previously had to travel long distances to find employment opportunities.
The minister expressed gratitude to Jeroma Manufacturing for investing in Matsanjeni and for contributing towards improving the livelihoods of emaSwati through sustainable employment opportunities.
“People from Matsanjeni and surrounding areas no longer have to travel long distances in search of work because opportunities are now available closer to their homes,” Khumalo said.
He further encouraged businesses to continue investing in Eswatini, noting that partnerships between government and the private sector were critical in supporting economic growth.
EIPA CEO Sibane Mngomezulu also accompanied the Minister during the visit, as the authority continues to promote Eswatini as an attractive investment destination for local and international businesses.
The growth of Jeroma Manufacturing comes at a time when the country continues to prioritise industrialisation and the expansion of the manufacturing sector as a key driver of economic development.
The company’s operations are expected to create further opportunities for communities around Matsanjeni while contributing to the country’s export earnings through access to regional markets.
With its planned recruitment drive, Jeroma Manufacturing is set to become a significant employer in the area, demonstrating how private sector investment can create opportunities and support inclusive economic growth.
