The Minister for Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, has called for coordinated action across government, business and financial institutions to support women-led enterprises as a driver of economic growth and industrial development.
Khumalo was speaking on Saturday at a thought leadership conversation on the role of women in growing Southern Africa’s economies.
The event was held at Royal Villas, Ezulwini, as part of Women’s Month commemorations. 
The gathering brought together leaders from Government, business and civil society to discuss the contribution of women to regional economies and measures to expand economic opportunities.
Addressing participants, the minister said women’s economic empowerment extends beyond inclusion.
He stated that it is also about growing economies, building industries, strengthening competitiveness and developing leadership.
Khumalo noted that women are already active in the economy as entrepreneurs, professionals, investors, executives and decision-makers.
He said the focus should now be on creating an enabling environment that allows women to reach their full potential.
“Women are not waiting to be invited into the economy.
They are already building it,” Khumalo said. He called on all sectors to play their part in creating conditions for women to grow businesses, lead enterprises and contribute at scale.
The minister highlighted examples of women-led businesses that have developed products and expanded operations.
He referenced Scoops N Giggles in the Lubombo region, which has grown its product range and market presence in the food sector.
He also cited the Women Processors in Shiselweni, who have moved further along the value chain in processing and packaging.
According to Khumalo, these cases show that with appropriate opportunities and support, women can build enterprises, create livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to the economy.
The ministry said it continues to implement programmes aimed at supporting small and medium enterprises, including those owned by women, in agriculture, manufacturing and services.
Khumalo identified several challenges that continue to limit the growth of women-owned businesses.
These include access to finance, access to markets, access to technology and access to leadership opportunities.
The minister called for stronger collaboration between the government, business, financial institutions and the media to address the barriers.
On finance, he said financial institutions should develop products tailored to women entrepreneurs, including those operating in the informal sector.
On markets, he noted the need to improve access to procurement opportunities and to regional and international markets.
On technology, he emphasised support for the adoption of digital tools to improve productivity and competitiveness.
On leadership, he said women’s representation in decision-making structures in both public and private sectors should be strengthened.
He added that the media has a role in profiling women entrepreneurs and in shaping narratives around women’s economic participation.
The discussion was held within the context of Southern Africa’s economic integration agenda.
Participants noted that under SACU and SADC, women-owned businesses have the potential to access larger markets, subject to compliance with standards and improved trade facilitation.
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade stated that enterprise support programmes are being aligned to ensure women can benefit from regional trade opportunities.
This includes business development support, training, and facilitation of market linkages.
Khumalo said industrial policy and trade strategy must reflect women’s economic participation if the country is to improve competitiveness and inclusive growth.
Khumalo urged the government, the private sector and civil society to coordinate interventions in financing, infrastructure, training and mentorship.
He said fragmented efforts limit impact and that a coherent approach is required to move women-owned businesses from micro and small scale to medium and larger enterprises.
He stated that women’s economic empowerment is an economic priority and not only a social issue.
Economies that enable full participation of women, he said, are better positioned for sustainable growth.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to reviewing regulations, improving access to finance and supporting women to enter higher value segments of value chains.
