MBABANE – The business community has welcomed the Speech from the Throne by King Mswati III, pledging decisive action to drive growth, create jobs and expand local and regional value chains.
The Speech from the Throne, delivered last Friday during the official opening of the Third Session of the 12th Parliament, set out an ambitious national vision centred on prosperity, economic transformation and shared development, a call that business leaders say they are ready to heed.
Business Eswatini has applauded His Majesty’s address, describing it as a defining moment for the private sector to step up as the primary engine of wealth creation.
Business Eswatini Chief Executive Officer Nathi Dlamini said the business community was aligned with His Majesty’s call for bold and intentional action to unlock growth across all sectors of the economy.
He said the private sector recognised that sustainable development depended on a robust and inclusive economy capable of supporting world-class healthcare, reliable infrastructure, clean water supply and food security.
“Business Eswatini and its members are committed to pursuing ingenious methods of expansion, exploiting local and regional value chains, and forging international supply chains to extend the reach of Eswatini’s enterprise,” Dlamini said.
He added that entrepreneurship remained the surest path to dignified and sustainable employment at a time when unemployment continued to pose a serious socio-economic threat.
Business leaders stressed that while the private sector was ready to deliver jobs, innovation and investment, an enabling policy environment remained critical to unlock business confidence and expansion.
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Backing productive investment over ‘white elephants’
MBABANE – Business Eswatini also welcomed His Majesty’s caution against unproductive projects with unclear social returns, commonly referred to as ‘white elephants’.
The private sector apex body said prioritising high-impact infrastructure ensured value for money and long-term economic returns, particularly in agriculture, industry and manufacturing.
Business Eswatini said the approach reflected the need for smart capital allocation at a time when public resources were under pressure and development needs remained high.
Energy emerged as one of the most pressing concerns raised by the business community, following the royal address.
Business Eswatini said unpredictable electricity pricing and energy supply challenges continued to erode competitiveness and undermine investment confidence, particularly for manufacturing, agro-processing and services.
The federation called for the strengthening of the Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority to play its role in providing clarity, stability and transparency in energy pricing and sourcing.
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BUFE welcomes focus on electricity, MSMEs, rankings
MBABANE – The Business Federation of Eswatini (BUFE) also welcomed key elements of the Speech from the Throne, particularly the recognition of high electricity tariffs as a constraint to growth.
BUFE President Thulisile Dladla said His Majesty’s concern for the welfare of emaSwati and the business sector resonated strongly with industry players.
While welcoming government’s attention to rising electricity costs, Dladla said the business community also had a responsibility to bring solutions to the table.
“We need diversification into green energy, coal alternatives and solar solutions to reduce reliance on costly power sources,” she said.
BUFE further applauded His Majesty for highlighting the importance of global rankings linked to the ease of doing business, noting that the federation had been actively involved in engagements related to improving Eswatini’s international competitiveness.
“These rankings influence investor decisions. Improving our business climate sends a strong signal to the world that Eswatini is open for business,” Dladla said.
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