SIGWE– The Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo has inspected the Sigwe shoe factory site as the project moves closer towards its scheduled October completion.
Speaking during the site visit, Commerce, Industry and Trade Minister Manqoba Khumalo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing Eswatini’s industrialisation agenda through strategic investments.
“This project demonstrates government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investment and industrial development. The Sigwe Shoe Manufacturing Factory is an investment in jobs, skills development, and the economic future of Eswatini citizens,” Khumalo said.
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade confirmed that the E28 million facility, located at Sigwe in the Shiselweni Region, is progressing well and is expected to be completed by the end of October 2026.
According to Ministry details, construction officially commenced in November, with Smart Group Construction appointed to undertake the build and creating initial employment for 45 Eswatini citizens during the structural phase.
A key milestone was achieved with the identification of an investor who will operationalise the facility upon completion, paving the way for local footwear manufacturing.
The Ministry noted that once operational, the factory will strengthen Eswatini’s manufacturing sector, promote value addition and contribute to economic development across the Shiselweni Region and the country as a whole.
As reported earlier this month, residents in the Sigwe constituency had long faced economic migration due to a lack of work, leading to growing calls from the local community for long-term investments and sustainable jobs.
To address these demands, a joint partnership was formed between community empowerment organisation Amandla Omnotho and clothing firm Wear Well to establish the local footwear plant.
During a separate earlier site inspection to observe progress on the development, Sigwe Member of Parliament David Ngcamphalala hailed the investment as a major breakthrough for the area.
David Ngcamphalala commended King Mswati III and the Ministry for supporting initiatives that decentralise industrial growth and bring economic opportunities directly to rural communities.
“Employment restores dignity and gives people hope. Projects such as this one have the power to uplift communities and stimulate economic activity throughout the constituency,” David Ngcamphalala said.
David Ngcamphalala added that the plant carries the hopes of many families who stand to benefit from stable incomes, while expanding domestic production remains essential in reducing reliance on imported goods.
Officials from Amandla Omnotho also reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the project to empower communities through job creation and practical skills development.
Beyond creating direct employment, the shoe factory is expected to benefit local businesses, including transport operators, food vendors and suppliers who will provide services linked to the facility.
