MBABANE – Minister for Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, says the kingdom’s development ambitions require institutions capable of ensuring that markets function effectively and fairly.
He outlined these ambitions as industrialisation, employment creation, consumer protection and improved living standards.
The minister was speaking during a workshop for Senators and Members of Parliament (MP) serving in the ministry’s portfolio committees at the Hilton Garden Inn yesterday. The MPs were being sensitised on the critical role played by the Eswatini Standards Authority (ESWASA) and the Eswatini Competition Commission (ESCC) in driving economic growth, protecting consumers and enhancing the country’s competitiveness.
The workshop was also organised to provide updates on intellectual property and international trade matters. Khumalo said strong institutions are essential for the country’s development agenda.
“Achieving these objectives requires more than investment alone; it requires strong institutions that ensure markets function effectively, products meet acceptable quality standards and consumers are protected,” he said. The minister described ESWASA as a key economic development institution whose responsibilities extend beyond the development of standards to promoting quality infrastructure, certification and conformity assessments.
He noted that the authority’s work affects the daily lives of emaSwati by ensuring that products available on the market meet recognised safety, quality and performance standards. “Without effective standards, consumers become vulnerable to unsafe and substandard products, while legitimate businesses struggle to compete fairly against inferior goods entering the market,” he said.
Khumalo further highlighted the growing importance of standards in facilitating international trade, saying products that comply with internationally recognised standards are better positioned to access export markets and attract buyers.
He said ESWASA contributes directly to industrial competitiveness, export growth, consumer confidence and investment attraction.
Turning to the Eswatini Competition Commission, the minister said the institution plays a vital role in maintaining fair competition and protecting market integrity.
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Minister for Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo gestures during the meeting, while Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee Masiphula Mamba looks on. (Pics: Timothy Simelane)