MBABANE:Johannes Manikela of the newly formed Business Eswatini Federation,has urged Government to restore suppliers trust with banks by speeding-up payments.
Responding to this Swaziland News on Monday afternoon,Manikela first thanked Commerce Minister Mancoba Khumalo for amplifying the calls to support businesses but,urged Government to do more in promoting the Small and Medium Enterprises(SMEs).
The Commerce Minister was speaking on Monday when announcing the date for the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards supported by the First National Bank(FNB) among other partners and stakeholders.
“We appreciate the awards as businesses but we urge the Government to do more in promoting small businesses.Currently,we have challenges with banks as Government suppliers, when you approach the bank with a purchase order from Government,sometimes they just ignore you saying,you will take time to pay back the loan, Government must restore the credibility of a Government purchase order,” said the businessman.
On another note, the Commerce Minister when addressing Lubombo Regional Awards, urged stakeholders to participate in the highly anticipated Entrepreneur of the Year Awards funded and supported by,among others,the First National Bank(FNB) Eswatini.
“We are thrilled to announce that the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards Gala dinner will be hosted on the 9th of August 2024.This highly anticipated event will take place at the Mavuso International Trade Centre.This year’s Gala Dinner promises to be an unforgettable evening,celebrating the outstanding achievements and innovations of our nation's finest entrepreneurs. As we prepare to unveil the national winners,we invite all stakeholders,partners,and supporters to join us in this grand celebration.The evening will be filled with inspiring stories,networking opportunities,and a showcase of the incredible talent within our entrepreneurial community,” said the Commerce Minister.
Commerce Minister Mancoba Khumalo(pic: FNB).