Eswatini SMEs face extinction threat
Economist warns local businesses struggle against foreign competition and rising costs.
Local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Eswatini are under threat from foreign competition, rising operating costs, and limited finance, according to Economist Dr George H. Choongwa.
Dr Choongwa, Coordinator at SARFED, stated in a policy brief that indigenous businesses risk losing ground to foreign-owned firms with stronger models and market access.
He noted that SMEs are the backbone of economic growth but face external and internal pressures, including long payment delays from larger companies, which create working capital challenges.
Why it mattersLocal small businesses in Eswatini are at risk of failing due to competition and financial pressures.