Promoting SME Competitiveness in Eswatini: Stronger business fundamentals for value-added exports

Small firms are at the heart of Eswatini’s participation in international value chains. But they often struggle to trade due to production capacity constraints, including inadequate managerial skills and certification, failure to engage with business support organizations and weak linkages with suppliers and buyers. Furthermore, innovation levels are low and many Swazi businesses cannot access finance. The COVID-19 pandemic, social unrest and climate change have aggravated these challenges.

This report, based on data from the SME Competitiveness Survey, recommends measures to reinforce business support services and improve the business and financial management skills of Swazi companies.