MBABANE — The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, alongside the Royal Eswatini Development Initiative (REDI), have united in calling for stronger support for family businesses. This announcement comes as Eswatini prepares to host the 3rd Family Business Summit.
Family businesses are the backbone of the African economy, often accounting for over 60% of employment and a significant portion of GDP. Yet, they face unique challenges ranging from succession planning to accessing capital.
A Platform for Growth
The upcoming summit aims to provide a platform for these businesses to network, share challenges, and learn from industry experts. Workshops will focus on modern governance structures, digital transformation, and expanding into cross-border markets.
“We need to equip our family businesses with the tools to survive generations,” a spokesperson noted. “This is not just about survival; it is about scaling and making them competitive on a global stage.”
The summit is expected to attract hundreds of delegates, including financial institutions looking to offer tailored financing solutions for businesses that often lack formal corporate structures.