By Ncaba Ntshakala
The ‘Nkwe-fueled’ Eswatini Government has ended the year on a high and positive note and its suppliers will feel no ‘Janu-worry’ stresses since they will be smiling all the way to the bank.
The Ministry of Finance has announced the successful processing of all government supplier payments for invoices submitted to the Treasury up to December 31, 2024.
This milestone was hailed as it highlights the government’s commitment to supporting service providers, particularly Medium, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), by ensuring timely and efficient payment systems.
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In a statement, the Ministry confirmed that no pending invoices remain in the Checking or EFT Departments. This move is expected to strengthen confidence among suppliers and enhance the operational stability of SMEs that rely heavily on government contracts.
The Ministry’s Communications Officer, Setsabile Dlamini, emphasized the importance of transparency in financial operations.
She asserted that the Ministry has cleared all payments and remains committed to improving its processes to maintain efficiency. Dlamini said that payments have been made through tax collections.
Suppliers who have not yet received their payments are encouraged to verify the submission of their invoices with the relevant ministries.
The Ministry added that it is conducting a thorough review to ensure that all payments are fully accounted for, reiterating its dedication to accuracy and accountability.
The announcement has been met with optimism from the business community, as MSMEs play a pivotal role in Eswatini’s economic landscape.
Speaking to an Economist, he said that timely payments help ensure the sustainability of these enterprises which enable them to continue providing essential goods and services.
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He said that this is a good move by the government and must continue since it provides stability to these businesses that trade with the government.
“This is greatly appreciated from government and should continue. This is another way of making our fragile economy stay strong,” said the Economist.
The Ministry expressed gratitude for the patience and cooperation of all service providers during the payment processing period.
