Africa-Press – Eswatini. Twenty Emaswati have gained employment following the official opening of a new Hungry Lion branch in Siphofaneni.
This development was confirmed by the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, during the formal inauguration of the new outlet.
Speaking at the event, Minister Khumalo said the establishment of the new Hungry Lion branch not only represented growth in the retail food sector but also contributed significantly to the creation of employment opportunities for the youth in the area.
“New investments in the country create jobs and contribute to economic growth,” he said.
The Minister went on to commend the franchise for prioritising the recruitment of local labour.
“I have been informed that Hungry Lion has committed to hiring and training local staff, which will create valuable employment opportunities, particularly for the youth of this community and surrounding areas,” Khumalo stated.
He explained that the move to engage local employees was in alignment with the government’s broader economic policy of fostering inclusive growth.
“The employment opportunities that have been availed by the business have assisted workers to have a decent life and the ability to provide for their families’ needs,” he noted.
Khumalo further highlighted that Hungry Lion had a long-standing presence in the country, with its operations in Eswatini dating back to 1999, while its supplier, Elangeni Food Group, had been operating since 1994.
Minister Manqoba inside the franchise
“These companies have over the years continued to play a vital role in the local food and retail value chains,” he said.
The Minister praised the franchise’s model of sourcing inputs from within the country, saying this strategy bolsters the local economy.
“Local companies are encouraged to provide the store with quality inputs, hence strengthening the local value chain in business,” he said.
Khumalo called on other private sector players to emulate Hungry Lion’s business model by forming strategic partnerships with local producers.
“I would like to place emphasis that the business community has a prominent role to play with regards to ensuring the forging of alliances with businesses in the same value chain,” he said.
He added: “Hungry Lion has displayed their commitment to this endeavour by sourcing their meat and other products locally.”
According to the Minister, such practices not only reduce reliance on imports but also stimulate domestic production and encourage the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The ceremony also included a community outreach programme. Following the formal opening of the store, Minister Khumalo visited Mushumpula Care Point where he presented food parcels to children from the local community.
The parcels were donated as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative.
The Minister described the act as commendable, stating that corporate involvement in community welfare projects was a welcome addition to government’s social development goals.
“Partnerships between government, private sector, and civil society are essential for inclusive development,” he said.
He added that the donation would help cushion vulnerable families and contribute towards addressing food insecurity in the region.
“We hope this gesture will go a long way in assisting these young ones and their families,” he remarked.
Khumalo concluded his remarks by reiterating government’s appreciation for businesses that contribute meaningfully to economic growth and social welfare.
“As His Majesty’s Government, we highly appreciate such positive contributions to the economy and urge other businesses to also emulate what Hungry Lion has done,” he said.
The opening of the Siphofaneni branch marks an expansion of Hungry Lion’s operations in Eswatini, bringing the number of its outlets to a higher tally that supports the company’s continued growth in Southern Africa.
It is understood that the franchise, which specialises in fast-food chicken meals, has made a commitment to continue engaging local producers and farmers in its supply chain network.
Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo delevering his remarks during the launch of Hungry Lion
Community members in attendance welcomed the development, stating that it would bring much-needed job opportunities and improve access to consumer goods in the area.
Several residents expressed optimism that the store would encourage other businesses to invest in the town, thereby stimulating the local economy further.
According to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, investment in the retail sector remains one of the key drivers of employment in Eswatini.
The ministry has consistently encouraged companies to adopt inclusive recruitment and procurement practices to support local communities.
As part of the broader strategy to attract and retain investors, the government continues to support enterprises that align with national development objectives, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
The Siphofaneni branch is expected to become a vital service point for residents, while also serving as a potential hub for downstream supply and logistics activities.
Officials at the opening also used the opportunity to reaffirm the importance of partnerships between government, business and communities, especially in driving employment and fostering economic self-sufficiency.
In closing, the Minister stated that Hungry Lion’s example showed that inclusive and locally integrated business models could yield both commercial and social benefits.
“This is a demonstration of what is possible when companies choose to invest in Eswatini and its people,” he said.
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