Mbabane – The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade has called on government departments, parastatals, and the private sector to prioritise payments to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The ministry says delayed payments for goods and services rendered by MSMEs are affecting business operations, with some enterprises unable to meet loan obligations, risking asset repossession, employee layoffs, and overall business disruption.
Minister Manqoba Khumalo noted that MSMEs are the heartbeat of the economy. “By prioritising payments, we are not only honouring our obligations but also empowering entrepreneurs to thrive, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said. 
The ministry also warned against criminal practices, including demands for bribes to process invoices, and urged MSMEs to report any unlawful conduct. Efforts are underway to address late payments at department level, while all sectors are encouraged to expedite invoice processing to ensure sustainability and growth of the MSME sector.
