By 
By Ncaba Ntshakala
The Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, has officially commissioned the construction of a factory shell in Pigg’s Peak valued at an impressive E135 million.
This financial commitment is the latest in the government’s execution of His Majesty King Mswati III’s directive to erect ten factory shells annually which was hailed as a strong move aimed at catalyzing industrialization and unlocking employment for every LiSwati.
“This project is a cornerstone of His Majesty’s vision to make industrial development a tangible reality for our people,” the Minister declared during the commissioning event.
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“It is a strategic investment designed to deliver economic empowerment, capacity building, and long-term employment across our communities.”
The new factory shell is more than just concrete and steel; it is a high-stakes financial instrument of growth. It will be constructed by Stefanutti Stocks, with electrical works handled by Obtuse Electrical, the facility is projected to be completed over a 14-month timeline.
Quality assurance and the facility will be rigorously monitored by RSZ Engineers and Owen Thindwa and Associates in a joint consultancy capacity.
At full operational capacity, the textile factory will be managed by a LiSwati investor and is expected to generate over 1,000 jobs which is an infusion of direct employment that Minister Khumalo says “will contribute significantly to the economic empowerment of our people and uplift Piggs Peak as a regional industrial hub.”
The E135 million allocation signals a strategic shift in public-sector expenditure toward tangible economic assets that yield both financial and developmental returns. “Projects like this are not just about infrastructure—they are about multiplying national value,” Khumalo emphasized.
“This factory will not only be producing garments but also incubating skills, wages, and local enterprise.”
The major economic narrative is compelling. The factory initiative aligns with Eswatini’s pursuit of first-world status, a vision that depends on widespread access to skilled employment and participation in higher-value industries.
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“It provides opportunities for our youth to engage in advanced technologies and skills development, moving us from being a consumer-driven society to one of productive innovation,” Khumalo added.
Moreover, beyond the fiscal headlines, the initiative also carries political and social capital. It is said that by directing high-value development to Piggs Peak which is traditionally underserved in industrial terms, the government demonstrates a commitment to inclusive growth and balanced regional development.
The Ministry added that with micro-projects collaborating alongside it, and the involvement of good private sector contractors, the initiative stands as a model of public-private partnership efficiency.
