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PM calls for stronger local business growth at Inyatsi forum

Ezulwini – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini says Government is focused on creating a stable and enabling environment for business growth and investment in Eswatini, working closely with the private sector to drive economic growth, protect jobs, and strengthen local enterprises.

The Prime Minister spoke today, Wednesday 14th January 2026, at the Royal Villas in Ezulwini during the Inyatsi Leadership Forum, addressing business leaders and stakeholders on the role of local companies in national development.

Dlamini commended the Inyatsi Group for its contribution to employment creation, tax compliance, and diversified investment across key sectors, describing the company as a genuine partner in national development and an example of home-grown enterprise success. He also urged Inyatsi to mentor young entrepreneurs on building and sustaining businesses.

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Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo, Minister of Economic Planning and Development Dr. Thambo Gina, Minister of Foreign Affairs Pholile Shakantu, and Inyatsi Group Chairman Michelo Shakantu with Inyatsi Group staff at the Royal Villas, Ezulwini, during the Inyatsi Leadership Forum on Wednesday, 14th January 2026.
Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo, Minister of Economic Planning and Development Dr. Thambo Gina, Minister of Foreign Affairs Pholile Shakantu, and Inyatsi Group Chairman Michelo Shakantu with Inyatsi Group staff at the Royal Villas, Ezulwini, during the Inyatsi Leadership Forum on Wednesday, 14th January 2026.

“Local enterprises play a critical role in national development through employment creation, investment, and tax compliance. Companies such as Inyatsi demonstrate the impact that strong, locally grown businesses can have on the economy,” he said.

The Prime Minister said Government wants more emaSwati to grow their businesses into transnational companies, whether independently or in partnership with the State. “In this regard, the Inyatsi Group is firmly on the right path and stands at the forefront of this national objective,” he said.

Dlamini outlined the Nkwe Programme of Action as Government’s commitment to economic recovery and structural transformation, job creation and inclusive growth, private sector-led development, fiscal discipline and accountability, and improved service delivery.

An overview of the Inyatsi Leadership Forum at the Royal Villas, Ezulwini, showing Government officials, Inyatsi Group leadership, and staff attending the summit on Wednesday, 14th January 2026. Photo by Eswatini Government.
An overview of the Inyatsi Leadership Forum at the Royal Villas, Ezulwini, showing Government officials, Inyatsi Group leadership, and staff attending the summit on Wednesday, 14th January 2026. Photo by Eswatini Government.

“At its core, Nkwe recognises that Government alone cannot drive growth. The private sector is not a peripheral player; it is a central engine of economic expansion, innovation, and employment creation. The Grand Plan translates these priorities into actionable programmes,” he said.

He added that the frameworks signal a shift toward a collaborative development model, where Government acts as enabler, regulator, and strategic partner, while the private sector drives production, investment, and innovation.

The Prime Minister said Government is seeking serious mega investors to partner with and warned against business closures and job losses, which strain families and communities. He assured the private sector that Government would address challenges and revitalize struggling sectors, encouraging businesses to engage and share innovative ideas or seek support.

Dlamini said Eswatini is well positioned to provide a conducive environment for local business while facilitating access to international markets, and urged companies to take advantage of preferential trade arrangements.

“Together, Government and the private sector must create a stable, predictable, and supportive economic environment that fosters growth, protects employment, and unlocks new opportunities. While our economy may be small, the opportunities before us are vast. What is required is that we build strong businesses locally while setting our sights on Africa and the world,” he said.

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