Local motoring industry key to economic growth – BE

MBABANE – The motoring and engineering sector has been identified as one of the critical pillars supporting Eswatini’s economy.

Business Eswatini (BE) has called upon consumers, corporates and policymakers to actively support local vehicle sales, servicing and engineering businesses to ensure the sector’s long-term sustainability and competitiveness.

Business Eswatini says the motoring industry plays a far-reaching role in the country’s economic ecosystem, going beyond the sale of vehicles to include retail, maintenance, engineering services, logistics and skills development.

As such, the organisation believes stronger local support can translate into job creation, skills transfer and broader economic resilience.

According to Business Eswatini, the motoring industry enables commerce across the country by ensuring the movement of goods, people and services. From small enterprises relying on delivery vehicles to large corporations operating fleets, the sector underpins daily economic activity and productivity.

“The motoring industry drives Eswatini’s economy by supporting vehicle sales, retail and servicing, creating jobs and enabling commerce across the country,” Business Eswatini said.

“It is an essential sector that requires a supportive and enabling environment to grow, remain competitive and continue contributing meaningfully to national economic development.”

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… calls for local support

MBABANE – BE noted that without sufficient local support, the sector risks stagnation, skills erosion and over-reliance on imported services, which could have long-term negative implications for economic growth and self-sufficiency.

The organisation’s call comes at a time when Eswatini is focusing on industrialisation, localisation and job creation as part of its broader economic development agenda. Strengthening value chains within the motoring and engineering sector aligns with these national priorities, particularly in fostering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and supporting technical skills development.

Business Eswatini reiterated that collaboration between the private sector, government and consumers is essential to unlock the full potential of the motoring and engineering industry.

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