LocationsIngelo Certification Scheme Connects Eswatini MSMEs to Major Retailers
March 1, 2026
Shoprite General Manager Pamela Nkomonde inspects one of the products
As momentum builds towards establishing a local certification standard for Eswatini’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade – working in partnership with SEDCO, Eswatini Standards Authority (ESWASA) and UNDP – convened the country’s leading retail outlets to review and provide feedback on products developed by 23 businesses under the Ingelo Local Certification Scheme.
The product showcase ran alongside a four-day audit and capacity-building session held from February 24-27 at the Co-operative Development Centre (CODEC) at Ezulwini. Designed to bridge the gap between local producers and formal retail markets, the event created a practical interface between MSMEs and buyers – an essential step toward improving market readiness and competitiveness.
The exhibition featured an impressive range of locally produced goods, including ice cream, waffles, coffee, biscuits, bottled water, chilli sauce, achaar, poultry products, dried fruit and detergents. Beyond displaying products, the platform enabled structured engagement, peer learning and technical feedback from retailers and quality assurance experts. The initiative marks a significant milestone in strengthening Eswatini’s productive sector by ensuring local goods meet the quality, safety and packaging standards expected in modern retail environments.
According to the Director of the MSME Unit at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Mr Mluleki Dlamini, the product showcase provided retailers with an opportunity to evaluate product quality and discuss supply requirements with the MSMEs.
“I’m impressed by the feedback we received from the retailers because they showed genuine interest in the products and a willingness to engage further with MSMEs,” he said.
Retailers that participated include Shoprite, Pick n’ Pay, OK, Spar and Woolworths.
Shoprite General Manager Pamela Nkomonde commended the entrepreneurs for the quality of their products and the thoughtful packaging tailored to customer needs
“Today we realised that emaSwati are doing a lot out there,” said Nkomonde.
Shoprite National Buyer Sifiso Msibi paying close attention to some of the products.
Shoprite National Buyer Sifiso Msibi echoed Nkomonde’s sentiment, emphasizing that while the supermarkert is committed to empowering local MSMEs, certification has historically been the missing link preventing many products from entering formal retail channels. He encouraged entrepreneurs to seize the opportunity presented by Ingelo, noting that certification significantly enhances prospects for shelf placement across Shoprite’s 25 stores countrywide.
He further advised MSMEs to address supply chain considerations, including reliable transport and consistent distribution capacity, as Shoprite expects suppliers to service all its outlets. At the same time, he cautioned producers to price competitively to remain viable in the market.
Beyond training and certification, Ingelo will provide targeted support in infrastructure and equipment to enable MSMEs to operate from compliant production facilities and scale up output sustainably.
As Eswatini advances towards formalizing a trusted local certification standard, the Ingelo Local Certification Scheme is positioning MSMEs not only to meet regulatory benchmarks but also to compete confidently in the country’s formal retail landscape.