MBABANE – The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade has launched the Trade Activation Programme (TAP) – Eswatini Charter. The programme will involve taking emaSwati MSMEs to the Republic of South Africa for an exchange of ideas programme, with the aim of assisting them penetrate the African market and fully utilising the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) – according a statement from official Government media.
The launch will be followed by an Expo, a Roundtable and a Summit. The programme is expected to begin in May 2023. It is done in collaboration with The Village Foundation and partners such as the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA), Small Enterprise Development Company (SEDCO), MTN Eswatini, Junior Achievement and the Eswatini National Youth Council (ENYC).
Minister Manqoba Khumalo, who was represented by Under Secretary Cebile Nhlabatsi, remarked that, “I believe that the partnership with The Village Foundation will significantly enhance our efforts to improve the competitiveness of the MSME sector to tap into local, regional and international markets. This partnership comes at an opportune time when the economy is recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The Minister added that, “I am certain that the extensive knowledge and expertise that The Village Foundation brings is what is needed for our enterprises to build back better and take full advantage of the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA).”
