Africa-Press – Eswatini. A new chapter of economic hope has opened in Lobamba Lomdzala as the Vukani BoMake Cottage Factory officially launched, setting rural women on a path from hustle to enterprise.
Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, said the factory’s launch marked a major win for grassroots entrepreneurship. He said the initiative, once a small dream, had now grown into a national vision.
“Vukani BoMake is no longer a side project,” said the minister.
“It is a serious enterprise that deserves policy support, and we will deliver that within 24 months. I’m also working to ensure markets are secured for their products, before they even hit production.”
Backed by Business Women Eswatini (BWE) and powered by support from CONCO Limited, the factory empowers women to turn recycled materials into value-added handcrafted goods. Minister Khumalo also promised to roll out the model across all Tinkhundla.
Turning Trash into Treasure
Chairperson of the Lobamba Lomdzala Board, Sylvia Ginindza, summed it up powerfully: “We are turning trash into treasure. This is the beginning of financial freedom and dignity for many women in our communities.”
Over 20 women have already been trained and equipped with machinery to begin manufacturing, with MP Marwick Khumalo applauding the transformation of local women into factory entrepreneurs.
CONCO: Not Just a Sponsor, A Game Changer
CONCO Managing Director, in his speech, hailed the factory as a “powerful example of what collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose can achieve.” He said the company was proud to be part of a project that breathes life into communities while creating economic resilience.
“This is not just about job creation,” he said. “It’s also about promoting eco-conscious practices. The work being done here will inspire sustainable production, protect the planet, and empower livelihoods.”
He said CONCO’s contribution to the project aligns with their larger focus on community empowerment, sustainability, education, and waste management.
“The Vukani BoMake Cottage Factory embodies what we believe in-giving women, youth, and persons with disabilities access to meaningful work. This strengthens not just households, but the foundation of the entire Lobamba Lomdzala community.”
He further stressed that the deliberate focus on vulnerable groups “speaks to the heart of what we aim to achieve, bridging inequality and empowering all to contribute meaningfully to economic growth.”
Business Eswatini: Women Must Rise
Business Eswatini President, Mvuselelo Fakudze, said the factory was the 14th to be opened since 2020 under the Vukani BoMake programme, proving that when women are given tools and opportunity, they rise.
“To the women who will take up space in this facility: this is your time. We are rooting for you,” said Fakudze, calling for more partners to join the cause.
With support from the private sector, visionary leadership, and a group of determined women, the Vukani BoMake factory is more than a facility, it’s a symbol of what’s possible when purpose meets empowerment.
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