Africa-Press – Eswatini. Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Hon. Manqoba Khumalo, on Monday, February 09, 2026, commended key private sector investments that are strengthening Eswatini’s industrial base, creating jobs, and enhancing the country’s competitiveness in regional and global markets.
The Minister was accompanied by Principal Secretary Ambassador Melusi Masuku, Ministry officials, and a delegation from the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) led by CEO Sibani Mngomezulu and CFO Hanalora Strydom, conducted a series of factory and project site visits in Matsapha.
Among the sites visited was Artic Fox, a fast-growing textile manufacturer that relocated to its newly renovated factory in August last year. Under the leadership of Directors Mr Nanyuan Su and Ms Tracy Sun, the company currently employs 1 500 people and continues to expand employment opportunities for local communities.
Artic Fox is set to open a new laundry facility dedicated to the textile industry within the next three months. The facility is expected to create an additional 40 jobs, further demonstrating the company’s commitment to growth, innovation, and job creation in Eswatini. The Minister applauded the investment and expressed optimism about continued collaboration to strengthen the textile sector.
The delegation also toured the Sigma Blue factory, a leading textile manufacturer specialising in ladies’ wear. Sigma Blue employs 850 workers and produces garments for major retail groups such as Foschini and PEP, reinforcing Eswatini’s role in regional supply chains.
The company moved into its new premises in August last year, marking a significant milestone in its expansion. The Minister praised the leadership of Directors Naseem Paruk and Michael Zungu for driving sustained growth and employment.
In addition, the Minister visited the Logico Distribution Centre, a major logistics infrastructure project currently under construction. The centre, built by Mbhilibhi, follows His Majesty King Mswati III’s visit last year, during which Logico requested land to expand operations.
Guided by His Majesty’s advice, government facilitated the allocation of 40 000 hectares, with 25 000 square metres already developed. The site includes modern offices, a cafeteria, a wellness centre, and receiving and dispatch facilities.
The Logico Distribution Centre is expected to be fully completed by December 2026 and will play a critical role in strengthening Eswatini’s trade and logistics infrastructure.
The Minister said the visits highlight the impact of strategic investments supported by government and EIPA in accelerating industrial growth, creating jobs, and promoting sustainable business expansion in the country.
