The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, and REDI have united in calling for stronger support for family businesses as Eswatini prepares to host the 3rd Annual Family Business Summit on 24th September 2026 at the Happy Valley Hotel, Ezulwini.
The Summit, hosted by local management consulting firm Regional Excellence Development Initiative (REDI) with KPMG – Family Enterprises and Standard Bank as knowledge partners, will focus on the theme: “Building Resilient Legacies: Embracing a Multi-Generational Mindset”.
Speaking at the Media launch that was held at the Mozambik restaurant this morning, Mr. Mluleki S. Dlamini, Director of MSMEs in the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, described family businesses as the backbone of the economy.
“Family businesses are not merely commercial entities; they are living legacies. They embody resilience, values, and preserve culture, and contribute significantly to employment creation, innovation, and community development,” Dlamini said.
“In Eswatini, family enterprises form the backbone of our MSME sector. They are the corner shops, the farms, the service providers, and the manufacturers that keep our economy alive.”
Dr Sikhomba Gumbi, REDI Chief Executive, said the purpose of the conference is to engage family-owned businesses on best practice and governance arrangements that enable a business to expand and survive beyond the life of the founder.
“Our goal is to help family businesses create a legacy and intergenerational wealth Gumbi said.
“Currently local family businesses have limited growth and generally collapse after the demise of the founder, yet in other jurisdictions they survive for generations. We want to change that narrative for Eswatini.”
Dr Gumbi added that family businesses are the main contributors to national economies through jobs, income and wealth creation.
“They also have a huge impact on the broader communities in which they operate. They carry with them legacies, traditions, and values that span generations.”
He cited global examples such as Volkswagen, Samsung, Tata and Walmart, regional giants like Dangote and Pick n Pay, and local ones including United Holdings, Monsoor Group and Thorne Family.
Mr. Dlamini called for deliberate action to support the sector.
“By supporting family businesses, we reinforce the foundation of MSME development, industrialization, and trade expansion,” he said.
“We envision a future where family enterprises are not only custodians of tradition but also leaders in innovation, competitiveness, and global market participation.”
He urged Family business leaders to learn, share and grow, youth to step forward with courage and digital solutions, and partners to continue walking with Government in strengthening the sector.
“Let us remember that strong families build strong enterprises, and strong enterprises build strong nations,” Dlamini concluded.
The Summit will be officially opened by the Minister for Commerce, Trade and Industry, Hon. Manqoba Khumalo.
Speakers include Alan Barr and Creagh Sudding of KPMG South Africa, Siduduzo Ntshangase from Standard Bank Group, and Dr Billy Selekane of South Africa.
The local panel features Chas Prettejohn of Ngwenya Glass and Thabo Magagula of Umelusi Group.
There will be one-on-one sessions and REDI will also host a Family Business regional workshop in Manzini ahead of the main event.
Meanwhile, Local businesses are encouraged to attend this important Family Business Summit.