Mbabane – The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade has congratulated Ms. Tokky Hou, Managing Director of Far East Textiles, for being named Africa’s Manufacturer of the Year in the Women in Manufacturing category at the 2025 Pan African Women Empowerment Summit (PAWES2025).
The recognition reflects Ms. Hou’s leadership and the dedication of Far East Textiles’ workforce of nearly 600 employees, 98 percent of whom are women. Under her guidance, the company has maintained high standards in manufacturing, export competitiveness, and sustainable growth.
Ms. Hou’s empowerment initiative, Vukani BoMake, supports women, youth, and persons with disabilities by providing vocational and entrepreneurial skills training. The award also highlights Eswatini’s growing capacity in value-added manufacturing and the increasing role of women-led enterprises in driving national economic growth. 
Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba B. Khumalo commended Ms. Hou and her team for their achievements, noting the recognition as an inspiration for other entrepreneurs across the Kingdom.
