Africa-Press – Eswatini. Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg has issued a clear and compelling invitation to Eswatini’s business community: step forward, partner with government, and help drive the nation’s economic growth.
Speaking at the Eswatini Bank Business Gala Dinner, the Minister urged business leaders to bring forward ideas, propose solutions, and collaborate on national development projects, stressing that the government is open to innovative partnerships.
A National Call for Bold Collaboration
Rijkenberg emphasized that Eswatini’s most pressing challenges, poverty and unemployment, can only be overcome through accelerated economic expansion powered by vibrant private-sector involvement.
“If you think of a solution to any of the problems that we have, please come forward… We are absolutely open to think outside the box, because we have to,” he stated.
With government’s capital budget stretched and developmental ambitions growing, Rijkenberg made it clear that the country must embrace joint ventures, innovative financing models, and private-sector-led execution of strategic projects.
Private Sector as the Engine of Growth
Rijkenberg explained that sustainable economic advancement relies entirely on a strong, confident private sector.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to responsible fiscal management to maintain stability and attract investment.
“The only engine of growth is the private sector… We are trying, by whatever means we can, to maintain a sustainable path so that we create trust through the banks and through the private sector,” he said.
Strengthening Institutions Through Local Support
The Minister also encouraged the business community to support Eswatini Bank, praising its ongoing restructuring efforts and its mandate for national development.
He appealed, “Support Eswatini Bank… It’s our bank in Eswatini, and supporting it means supporting the nation”.
His decision to personally open an account with the bank demonstrated his commitment to leading by example.
A Partnership-Driven Future
Rijkenberg’s message set an optimistic tone: Eswatini’s next chapter will be shaped by shared responsibility, shared ideas, and shared growth. He reminded business leaders that the government openly welcomes proposals, even unconventional ones, that can unlock new opportunities.
The call has been made, and the path is open. Eswatini’s growth journey now depends on how boldly the private sector responds.
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