MBABANE - Government’s industrialisation drive received another major boost on Wednesday, following the commissioning of the E700 million Eswatini Metal Foundries project at Sidvokodvo.
This project is expected to create at least 500 jobs across technical and industrial fields.
The project was officially commissioned by Commerce, Industry and Trade Minister, Manqoba Khumalo, who described the investment as a significant milestone in advancing Eswatini’s industrialisation agenda and strengthening the country’s manufacturing sector.
Located along the Sidvokodvo industrial corridor, the foundry is expected to improve logistics, infrastructure access and production efficiency, while also stimulating local economic activity through increased demand for scrap metal and other raw materials.
The development comes barely a day after Khumalo gave the greenlight to the second phase of the E2 billion Manzini Mall development project, which is expected to create up to 3 000 jobs at the peak of construction.
The two consecutive project announcements have been viewed as a strong signal of renewed investor confidence and government’s aggressive push to position Eswatini as a preferred destination for industrial and commercial investment.
Speaking during the site commissioning ceremony, Khumalo said the Eswatini Metal Foundries project represented more than just another industrial investment, but a critical pillar in the country’s broader economic transformation agenda.
“This investment is very important because it contributes directly towards industrialisation, job creation and economic growth. The establishment of this facility will create employment opportunities for emaSwati, while also supporting the development of local supply chains through scrap metal sourcing and related industrial activities,” said Khumalo.
He said government remained committed to creating an enabling environment for investors through infrastructure development, policy support and strategic partnerships aimed at unlocking economic opportunities.
Khumalo said the project aligned with government’s vision of building a resilient and diversified economy capable of competing regionally and internationally.
“The country cannot rely solely on traditional sectors. We need to expand our industrial base and encourage manufacturing investments that add value locally while creating sustainable jobs for emaSwati,” he said.
The minister noted that the Sidvokodvo location was strategically important due to its accessibility and proximity to major transport routes and industrial infrastructure. The establishment of a metal foundry in Eswatini could significantly reduce dependence on imported metal products while simultaneously opening opportunities for local suppliers and recyclers. Beyond direct employment, the project is also expected to generate economic activity for transport operators, engineering companies, maintenance service providers and small businesses that will supply goods and services during both construction and operational phases.
The latest development further adds momentum to government’s industrialisation push following Tuesday’s announcement regarding the massive Manzini Mall project.
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On Wednesday, the Minister for Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, visited the site where Eswatini Metal Foundries will be located , a major step forward in advancing Eswatini’s industrialisation agenda.(Courtesy pic)