Africa-Press – Eswatini. Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has urged Eswatini’s entrepreneurs to embrace innovation, resilience, and collaboration as key drivers of the nation’s economic transformation.
He made the remarks while officially opening the Eswatini MSME Conference 2025 at the Royal Villas in Ezulwini on 10 November 2025, describing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as the heartbeat of the country’s economy.
In his address, Dlamini highlighted the pivotal role MSMEs play in job creation, youth and women empowerment, and fostering inclusive economic growth. He noted that these enterprises not only contribute significantly to the national GDP but also have the potential to transform communities across urban and rural areas.
“Entrepreneurs are the engine of our economy,” the Prime Minister reportedly said. “From the smallholder farmer to the innovative tech start-up, from the craft maker to the manufacturer, our people’s ingenuity is driving Eswatini forward. Our responsibility is to ensure they have the environment, support, and tools to thrive.”
The Prime Minister emphasised that while MSMEs in Eswatini had made remarkable strides, persistent challenges remained. These included access to finance, navigating regulatory and certification requirements, adopting digital technologies, and reaching broader markets. He stressed that addressing these barriers would require bold thinking, strategic partnerships, and sustained government support.
He acknowledged the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade for its leadership in advancing the MSME agenda, as well as international partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other development agencies that had contributed to policy reforms, digital integration programmes, and entrepreneurship hubs across the country. He described these efforts as stepping stones toward creating a more inclusive economy where opportunities are accessible to all Emaswati.
The Prime Minister also encouraged participants to view the conference as a platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and practical problem-solving. He reportedly stated that collaboration across government, the private sector, academia, financial institutions, and development partners was crucial in turning innovative ideas into tangible outcomes that could drive national growth.
Highlighting the conference’s objectives, PM Dlamini said it aimed to foster knowledge sharing, address persistent structural barriers, and establish resilient systems that allow MSMEs to grow sustainably. He explained that the forum would equip entrepreneurs with strategies to overcome challenges, explore new markets, and leverage technology while creating lasting partnerships that would enhance business opportunities.
“The economic future of Eswatini is bright because our people are resilient, innovative, and entrepreneurial by nature,” he said. “This conference is an opportunity to translate ideas into action, action into impact, and commitment into lasting change.”
In a message of hope, the PM urged all participants to embrace their role as agents of transformation. He reminded entrepreneurs that government and partners were committed to creating a supportive ecosystem that finances ambitions, equips businesses with skills, connects them to markets, and rewards innovation and excellence.
The Prime Minister concluded by encouraging attendees to engage fully during the conference, challenge assumptions, and share boldly. He expressed confidence that the discussions and partnerships formed at the event would lay the foundation for a stronger, more inclusive economy, capable of empowering Eswatini’s next generation of entrepreneurs.
Through his remarks, the premier reiterated the government’s commitment to enabling MSMEs to flourish, signalling a future where innovation, collaboration, and determination would drive sustainable economic growth and national prosperity.
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