By 
By Delisa Magagula
The Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo has affirmed that His Majesty King Mswati III plays a stringent and hands-on role in the development and regulation of the MSME sector in Eswatini.
Speaking during the launch of the 19th edition of the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (EYA) held at Happy Valley Hotel, the Minister said the King’s direct involvement underscores the national importance placed on small and medium enterprises as engines of economic growth.
“His Majesty plays a leading role in shaping the future of the MSME sector. From the E1 billion target he set for local businesses to the directive for decentralised service delivery through SEDCO offices in all Tinkhundla, his commitment is clear,” Khumalo said.
RELATED: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOP PRIORITY IN EWADE’S MNWAP’S PROJECT
He added that the King’s vision is not just aspirational but policy-shaping, with government ministries and agencies expected to align with the royal directive.
“When His Majesty speaks, government acts. The MSME sector has been given top priority, and it is our duty to deliver.” he said.
Also speaking at the event, SEDCO CEO Khethiwe Mhlanga echoed the Minister’s remarks, stating that the organisation is guided by the King’s vision in all its programmes.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to bring business development services closer to entrepreneurs, particularly in rural areas.
RELATED: Govt backs E1 Billion dream for MSMEs at EYA 2025 launch
“His Majesty’s ‘Nkwe!’ directive is about urgency and focus. We are implementing that by expanding access to business support services and funding at grassroots level,” Nxumalo said.
The EYA launch was attended by key stakeholders in the business sector, with renewed calls for collaboration between government, financial institutions, and private sector players to fully realise the King’s vision for a thriving, billion-lilangeni MSME.
