Africa-Press – Eswatini. HIS Majesty King Mswati IIII has disclosed that over 5 000 jobs will be created as a result of business growth initiatives in the Shiselweni region.
The King stated that the jobs would be available soon as the different development projects were implemented. His Majesty shared this during the Shiselweni business dinner hosted by the region’s business community in his honour at the Mbangweni Royal Residence. The dinner was sponsored by Build It, and B&H Sugar.
One of the projects is the construction of the Johnson Workwear factory shell, which he said has created approximately 200 jobs. He said it was expected to create 3 000 more jobs once the factory became operational.
His Majesty added that another was the construction of a factory shell at Mantambe which is estimated to cost approximately E82 million and would create for over 100 jobsduring the construction phase and 1 000 opportunities once operational.
He further highlighted the construction of the factory at Ndzevane, which has also already started and is expected to generate employment opportunities of a similar scale.
“We also are eagerly awaiting the completion of the Mpakeni dam, which we were promised will change the landscape and lives of several chiefdoms in this region,’’ the King said.
For these initiatives to blossom, His Majesty said access to global supply chain through trade was crucial for businesses and that this would significantly contribute to job creation.
“It is in this regard that the country has made substantial investments to ensure that it has well-developed road networks with neighbouring countries, ensuring the efficient transportation of goods across borders.
‘‘These efforts make the current investment climate favourable for both local and foreign enterprises.
Completion
“The completion of the Sicunusa-Nhlangano highway will also add the required infrastructure for the movement of goods and the populace,” said the King. He said the private sector diagnostic study identified multiple areas that present promising business opportunities.
These industries include sugar, forestry, beef, textiles and apparel. He further stated that the Eswatini Strategic Roadmap also identified several key growth sectors as priorities. These include agriculture and forestry, agro-processing and manufacturing, energy and mining, information, communication and technology (ICT), education, and tourism.
“We, therefore, strongly encourage businesses in Shiselweni and other regions to explore these opportunities in order to harness the advantages they offer and contribute to the improvement of the economy,” added the King.
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