BIG BEND – Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo says the Eswatini sugar industry continues to “play an important multi-faceted role in the development of the Eswatini economy.” He was speaking during the official opening of a new Bagging Facility and Warehouse at Ubombo Sugar in Big Bend.
Minister Khumalo, as represented by Minister Phila Buthelezi, said “Growth in one sector translates to growth in the economy of the country through exports, the export earnings thereof, and the multiplier effects from those activities. As Government, we take strong pride in the Eswatini sugar industry. These contributions are in the form of employment creation, export earnings, social services provision to the sugar-belt communities, contribution to GDP, and many more.”
“Allow me to commend the Eswatini Sugar Association and all players in the sugar industry for continuing to sustain markets regionally and internationally, whilst exploring other ways to better service these markets and as adding value to Eswatini sugar,” he added.
Minister Khumalo also noted that this project is one of those that are listed as initiatives that can result in the recovery of the economy from the past economic shocks and it is pleasing to see that the project has indeed been implemented.
ESA CEO Dr Phil Mnisi revealed that, “One of the four strategic objectives in ESA’s Corporate Strategy and Marketing Plan 2021-2026, is to focus on the diversification across new markets, products and the supply chain. This multi-million investment was critical to achieve one of the initiatives that feed into this objective – that is, diversifying into new markets.”
The new Bagging facility comes with additional 50kg and 1 metric tonne bagging capacity and storage, as well as an additional storage for 20 300 tonnes of sugar. About 50 metric tonnes of sugar can be bagged per hour.
