Betting on local SMEs for long-run economic growth
By Thembumenzi Dlamini and Mangaliso Mohammed It is time for economic policies that will put a fair share of Eswatini’s economy in the hands of local entrepreneurs. According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), Africa is becoming the most exciting economic frontier with Small and…
Submission deadline for EEC 2019 research papers this week
The deadline for submission of full papers for the Eswatini Economic Conference (EEC) 2019 is this week, June 28. The Conference is jointly hosted by the Eswatini Economic Policy Analysis and Research Centre (ESEPARC), the Central Bank of Eswatini (CBE), and the University of Eswatini…
Are stokvels a possible solution to financial inclusion?
By Ntando Nkambule Stokvels have become an integral part of Africans’ lives and culture. These informal self-help savings groups stem from the communal values of Africans, which have not been fully incorporated into western discourse that informs much of the development agenda in the global…
Mental Health and Youth Unemployment
By Zenanile Dlamini As the country drives towards a knowledge economy, mental health will more than ever become a fundamental component of economic growth, where well-being – including mental stability – is an essential ingredient to creativity, innovation and development. Mental health is increasingly becoming…
Community-based tourism . . . a potential catalyst for inclusive & sustainable economic growth in Eswatini
By Tamika Du-Pont Globally, the tourism industry has experienced steady growth over the past decades. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), the industry has experienced consistent growth and diversification, making it one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the world. The…
What can be done to stop Eswatini’s brain drain?
By Zamokuhle Manana One can argue with good reason that emigration is synonymous with Eswatini’s history. As early as the 1900s emaSwati were migrating to other countries, mainly in search of job opportunities in South African mines. The migration of unskilled and semi-skilled labour continues…
More research on sexual harassment & corporate bullying needed
There is a need for more research on sexual harassment in the workplace and corporate bullying as these issues are increasingly creeping into the country’s work spaces, thus requiring the development of policies to protect employees. This observation was made by Ms Portia Dlamini, who…
Innovation measurement and policymaking in Eswatini . . . Why participate in national R&D and innovation surveys?
By Tengetile Hlophe During the official opening of the 11th Parliament, His Majesty King Mswati III emphasised the importance for Emaswati to start their own businesses and engage in research and development to identify new opportunities for growth. His Majesty made clear the need for…
Explaining the shadow economy in Eswatini
By Mangaliso Mohammed and Thabo Sacolo THERE is growing interest on the shadow economy in Eswatini, especially questions about what it is and how it relates to the taxation of individuals and businesses. The Eswatini Economic Policy Analysis and Research Centre (ESEPARC) conducted a study…
Educate young people to create opportunities for themselves
By Thembumenzi Dlamini, Mangaliso Mohammed, and Gugulethu Mgabhi THE true value of education is a life full of options. Such options can be realised in an education system that encourages young minds to imagine new futures and become problem solvers, that is, creators of new…
