Mbabane – Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, Thabsile Mlangeni, joined business leaders and policy experts in a discussion hosted by the Stellenbosch Business School Alumni Thought Leadership panel at the Hilton Garden Inn in Mbabane today.
The session formed part of the Executive Development Programme Information Series and focused on African Frontiers in the era of Trump-onomics.
Professor Andre Roux delivered a presentation on how fiscal policies, inflation and global economic shifts affect African countries, with a particular focus on the challenges faced by businesses in Eswatini. He pointed to trade barriers and tariffs as major hurdles for local companies exporting to the United States. 
Nozizwe Mulela said, “So grateful for such a rich and thought-provoking morning at the Stellenbosch Business School Thought Leadership Panel. The theme could not have been more timely. It reminded us that while global economic shifts may feel far removed, their ripple effects are deeply felt in Eswatini. From trade to investment flows, from the resilience of our businesses to the aspirations of our young people, we are all part of this interconnected story. What stood out for me was the urgency of leadership that is adaptive, bold and solutions-driven. We need to engage, to anticipate and to prepare. A heartfelt thank you to Stellenbosch Business School for bringing this dialogue to our doorstep, to my brilliant fellow panelists for their insights and perspectives and to the audience for leaning into the discussion with such energy. It is in rooms like these that seeds of change are planted.”
She also said, “So excited to be at the Stellenbosch Business School Thought Leadership Panel this morning here at the Hilton! The conversations on African Frontiers in the era of ‘Trump-onomics’ will be powerful and eye-opening. There’s such great energy in the room as leaders, thinkers, and change-makers come together to reimagine Africa’s future. It feels good to be part of this space where ideas turn into possibilities.”
