Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo has urged large corporations to be deliberate in promoting and nurturing small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
He said collaboration between large and small businesses was critical to broad-based economic growth, job creation, and the long-term sustainability of the private sector.
Khumalo said this was part of efforts to build a resilient, inclusive, and competitive economy in the country.
He noted that such partnerships created a stable support system for emerging entrepreneurs, enabling SMEs to scale up, become more competitive, and integrate into value chains dominated by larger firms.
He further highlighted that collaboration between businesses of different sizes was already yielding positive results and should be deepened as the country entered a new economic cycle this year.
By providing mentorship, resources, and market access, he said big businesses strengthened and grew the kingdom’s business landscape, providing a stable and fertile support system for emerging entrepreneurs.
He said the collaborative ecosystem was fundamental to building a diverse, resilient, and inclusive economy.
“I am particularly pleased to note the continued and growing collaboration between small and big businesses. This synergy is invaluable. I want to earnestly urge our large corporations to continue their crucial role in adopting and nurturing small businesses,” he said.
Business Eswatini (BE) Vice President Anthony Geldard echoed the importance of partnerships. He said the past year had demonstrated the value of steady engagement and cooperation across the private sector, labour, and government. He reflected on 2025 as a year of learning and institutional maturity for BE, marked by deliberate action rather than dramatic shifts.
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He said BE would continue advocating for policies that balanced business sustainability with workers’ welfare and highlighted the role of dialogue and trust in enabling businesses of all sizes to grow and create jobs.
“Our economy cannot thrive without a productive workforce. Strong industrial relations remained central to a healthy business environment. Businesses can only grow and create jobs in an environment of trust, fairness and mutual accountability,” said Geldard.
