By 
By Delisa Thwala
Through Policy Area three of the Eswatini National Handicraft Sector Policy 2024-2030, the government is set to invest E5 million.
This will be invested in expanding and incubation support for handicraft businesses to thrive and expand into global markets.
Earlier in the week, the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo launched the National Handicraft Sector Policy for 2024 to 2030.
This policy is a significant step towards empowering artisans, particularly women, people with disabilities, and young entrepreneurs, who are the backbone of our communities.
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Minister Khumalo said the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade is dedicated to promoting and developing handicraft production, ensuring that artisans receive the technical and financial support they need.
This sector is not just a source of income; it is a vital part of Eswatini’s cultural heritage, rich in traditional weaving, pottery and handmade jewellery.
As they embark on this new journey, he urged artisans to engage in development programs that will foster growth and sustainability.
Together, he vouched they can enhance the economy, preserve traditional skills, and create opportunities for future generations.
According to the policy Eswatini is set to significantly elevate its handicraft sector through million investments aimed at propelling local artisans into the international stage.
The ministry of commerce, industry, and trade would spearhead the initiatives, with a focus on enhancing the export potential of Eswatini crafts.
Government has allocated substantial funds for various aspects of the programme.
A total of E5 million would be invested in collaborating with key stakeholders like handicraft associations and business development agencies to deliver training programmes.
An estimated cost of E250 000 would be allocated to support the formation and capacity building of producer associations to empower handicraft businesses.
An investment of E5 million needs to be devoted in expanding business and technical incubation sup- port for craft micro-enterprises, including mobile and online skills training.
For the establishment of a formal linkage programme to encourage local retailers to source Eswatini crafts and ensure production aligned with market demand, the implementation plan outlines an estimated cost of E100 000.
At an estimated cost of F200 000 access to grants and loans for product development, innovation, and financing for viable businesses would be facilitated.
To support the creation of innovative, authentic Eswatini craft products that meet contemporary design trends, E500 000 would be devoted.
An estimated E500 000 would be allocated to develop customer centric market spaces and production facilities to support handicraft creation and sales.
Furthermore, an estimated E500 000 would be invested to identify and prioritise key handicraft value chains with high export potential.
A significant investment of E100 million Would be allocated to provide modem tools, equipment, and facilities for large-scale production, design, and marketing of the crafts.
Finally, E5 million would be invested to establish regional centres for product certification, pack- aging, labelling, and quality testing
According to the implementation plan, the core focus of this project is to train artisans in areas like quality standards, supply chain management, costing, pricing, branding, labelling, and product innovation.
By collaborating with key associations like FESBC, EIPA, and SEDCO, the program ensures effective training delivery and knowledge transfer.
Additionally, the formation and strengthening of producer associations and cooperatives would empower handicraft businesses to become more competitive in the international market.
To facilitate the growth of the sector, the government would invest in business incubation programmes, providing access to finance, and supporting product development.
This includes establishing formal linkages with local retailers to ensure market demand was met and encourage the creation of innovative, con- temporary Eswatini craft products.
To further enhance the sector, the government would invest in infra- structure development, including customer-centric market spaces and production facilities.
This would improve the overall experience for artisans and consumers alike.
The investment in modernising the sector through the adoption of technology and equipment would improve design, production, and marketing processes, enabling large- scale production for targeted products.
Additionally, the establishment of regional certification centres would ensure that locally produced crafts meet international standards
While a few formal enterprises, such as Tsandza Weaving, Ngwenya Glass, Gone Rural, Tintsaba Quazi Design, and Yebo Art Gallery, successfully export their products, the potential for growth in the informal sector remains untapped.
Products like grass and beaded crafts have higher potential for production compared to other value chains.
These products were manufactured across different regions of the country, with stone carving prevalent in the Hhohho region and ceramics primarily found in Shiselweni.
Currently, handicraft producers primarily target individual customers (41 per cent), tourists (22 per cent), and middlemen (19 per cent). Only a small percentage (18 per cent) penetrates retail and export markets.
Furthermore, Eswatini faces challenges in providing a conducive business environment for the growth, Innovation, and competitiveness of its handicraft sector.
By implementing these initiatives, Eswatini aims to transform its handicraft sector into a major contributor to the national economy. This would create jobs, cultural heritage, and position Swazi crafts as a sought-after commodity in the global market.
The policy rationale highlighted that Eswatini’s handicraft sector was largely informal, with a majority of businesses operating as small-scale, sole proprietorships.
These businesses often sold their products locally, across borders, or at craft stalls and markets. A significant challenge facing the sector was the low export rate, with 74 percent of producers not exporting their products.
