Commerce Minister Tasks World Vision Eswatini and Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) to Commercialise Honey for Export
Commerce Minister tasks World Vision Eswatini and EIPA to commercialise honey for export
The Minister for Commerce, Industry and Trade, Hon. Manqoba Khumalo, has tasked World Vision Eswatini (WVE) and the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) to fast-track the commercialisation of honey production for export in the next two years.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by WVE at the ministry’s offices on Monday, the 3rd November 2025, Minister Khumalo urged World Vision to look into strengthening honey production to meet required volumes for export, working with EIPA.
This is in line with WVE Livelihoods Technical Programme’s capacity building of bee farmers in various constituencies the organisation works in, including a partnership with the Standard Bank Luju Food and Lifestyle Festival, which supports the empowerment of beekeeping farmers under the Lobamba Lomdzala Inkhundla. The festival contributes a portion of entrance ticket sales to WVE in support of the Lobamba Lomdzala community where it operates.
WVE National Director (ND), who led the WVE delegation, first passed his condolences to the minister on the untimely passing of the ministry’s Commissioner of Cooperatives Russell Nxumalo. He prayed the ministry and his family would be comforted even during this difficult time.
Zaindi appreciated that the Govt of Eswatini operates a clear agenda of development, making it easier for development partners, like World Vision, to identify areas of support for the country.
“We really also appreciate the overwhelming support given by the Government of Eswatini to NGOs, thus allowing us to operate in the country and bring sustainable development initiatives,” he said.
Discussed as areas of collaboration were vocational skills and enterprise development, training on artisanal skills, as well as employment creation.
WVE trains over 300 youth on vocational skills annually, which aligns with the Ministry’s agenda. The humanitarian organisation also supports community savings groups save over SZL33 million per year, which contributes to the financial inclusion of rural-based community members.
Both the Ministry and WVE committed to strengthening collaborations and ensuring the economic empowerment of Emaswati.