Manqoba Khumalo, the country’s Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Trade says the government through the E45 Million MSME Relief fund has distributed over E10 Million since it became operational in February 2021.

Khumalo revealed this when addressing the United States Business Roundtable which was held at the United States Embassy on Thursday.

The E45 Million MSME Relief Fund was set up by the Eswatini Government to assist micro, small and medium businesses in the time of COVID-19. It aims at providing easily accessible finance to cater for the operating expenses of MSMEs, both formal and informal, which have been affected by COVID-19. The aim was to reach all affected businesses to ensure that they remain operational and to an extent stabilize towards a growth trajectory.

Addressing the United States Roundtable Business, Minister Khumalo said the scheme has disbursed over E10.1 Million as of the end of July 2021.

“As of the end of July 2021, the fund has disbursed over E10.1 Million which benefitted 165 existing & start-up businesses both in the informal & formal sector. Businesses that are the main beneficiaries are mobile money vendors, motor spares, fruits & vegetables, transport, restaurants, grocery shops, agri-businesses, barbers, hairdressing salons & suppliers of goods and services,” said Minister Khumalo.