Times Of Swaziland: EU, ITC, GOVT PROJECT CREATES OVER 2 000 JOBS

EU, ITC, GOVT PROJECT CREATES OVER 2 000 JOBS
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Nhlanganiso Mkhonta on 01/12/2024 14:12:00


MBABANE – The European Union (EU), the International Trade Centre (ITC), and
the Government of Eswatini have made significant strides in fostering
sustainable economic development in Eswatini, with the creation of about 2 200
jobs through the ‘Eswatini: Promoting growth through competitive alliances’
programme.
The project aims to support local businesses, farmers and artisans while
contributing to the Kingdom’s economic transformation. Last Thursday, the EU
Ambassador-designate to Eswatini, Kastern Mecklenburg and the Minister for
Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, visited various project sites
benefitting from this EU-supported initiative. They were joined by senior
officials from the EU delegation, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade,
and local Business Support Organisations (BSOs).
The tour began at Sigcaweni. The delegation then visited Eswatini Coffee’s
nursery at Ngculwini, Guba Permaculture Education Centre in Malkerns, Black
Mamba Foods in Matsapha, and ended at Far East Textiles also in Matsapha, where
several micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) under the EU-supported
programme were exhibiting. Speaking at the final event for the tour at Far East
Textiles, ITC Head, Inclusive Agribusiness Systems Hernan Manson praised the
programme’s success in improving livelihoods across Eswatini.
Full-time jobs
“After four years of working under the EU-supported programme, we can already
see the positive impact. To date, 2 200 full-time jobs have been created, and 6
000 entrepreneurs, farmers, and artisans are earning better incomes. This
programme has reached over 18 000 people indirectly, feeding into the value
chain,” said Manson. “The numbers are good, but we are only halfway through.
We are not done yet. We believe that we can achieve even more by leveraging the
current partnerships.” EU Ambassador-designate Kastern Mecklenburg shared his
excitement about the EU’s role in the programme and reiterated that the EU’s
support is about long-term investment rather than donations. He stressed the
importance of creating opportunities for all, including those who are often
marginalised, such as people with disabilities.
“We are not only looking at people who are capable of running their businesses
– we are also looking at people who are not capable of running their
businesses. We do not want to leave behind people with disabilities. What we are
doing with government is investment in opportunities,” said Ambassador
Mecklenburg. “We need people who produce wealth. We need people who grow food
– like the coffee farmers we saw today. We need people who create links and
networks of like-minded entrepreneurs, feeding into a supply chain.” Minister
Khumalo echoed the EU ambassador’s sentiments, highlighting the tangible
impact of the partnership and the importance of practical, action-oriented
policies.
“When I came into office, I assessed that many partnerships focused too much
on theoretical aspects. I’m happy that the EU has listened and shifted to a
model that focuses on making a real, sustainable difference,” said Minister
Khumalo. “The entrepreneurs we saw today – from the lady growing coffee at
Sigcaweni to the people roasting coffee and providing seedlings – show that
Eswatini’s fortunes will change because of this partnership.”  Far East
Textiles Managing Director Tokky Hou, also Chairperson of the Vukani BoMake
Project, praised the EU and ITC for believing in their mission. Under the
‘Eswatini: Promoting growth through competitive alliances’, Vukani BoMake
has trained over 150 women, many of whom now have stable income and skills for
life.
Collaboration
“These are not just numbers. Young people who have been trained now have
skills they can rely on. Women who struggled to make ends meet are now
providers, and people with disabilities have found a purpose,” said Hou.
“Through collaboration, the EU and ITC have helped us build not just factory
cottages, but skills, capacitation and real opportunities for change.”
Business Eswatini Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nathi Dlamini, urged for more
investments that focus on long-term social transformation rather than short-term
donations.
“We need investments that are looking for a social dividend. The EU and ITC
were among the first to invest in Vukani BoMake, and today, we’re about to
open the 14th cottage factory in this country,” said Dlamini.
“No donations involved, just investments. We’re worthy of investments.
Invest with us.” The ‘Eswatini: Promoting growth through competitive
alliances’ programme continues to make significant strides in driving economic
growth, creating jobs and improving livelihoods across the country. With further
expansion planned, the project stands as a model of how effective partnerships
between governments, international organisations, and local businesses can drive
sustainable development.