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“Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth.” – John F. Kennedy

“Mistakes are the growing pains of wisdom.” – William George Jordan

EZULWINI - MTN Eswatini wants its customers to be able to send and receive money from South Africa without the use of banks.

This idea was shared by 0TN Es watini CEO Wandile 0tshali, yesterday during the business breakfast meeting organised by the South $frican High Commission at 5oyal 9illas to promote trade and investment with local CEOs at 5oyal 9illas. 0tshali stated that they were looking for a way to allow their customers to send and receive money from South $frica without reTuiring any type of banking transaction. The CEO added that investment in energy provision and stability was imperative between the two countries because of connectivity. ³3roper connectivity for businesses is important, therefore, the need to invest in energy to stabilise it can enhance efficiency,” he said. With the issue of electricity in South $frica, it was noted that the drop in consumer spending affected Eswatini as well. This

was outlined by the 0inister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, 0anToba .humalo, who said local factories exporting to South $frica had to reduce production volumes. He said textiles firms were faced with layoffs as the companies they supply in South $frica were decreasing their orders, which in turn created trade barriers in the country. .humalo added that Eswatini had the $fC)T$, which was being rolled out across $frica to enable the free movement of goods within the continent. However, the obMectives of S$C8 are challenged by the $fC)T$, and we need to expedite the discussion around the alignment of S$C8 with the $fC)T$ to further promote and enhance trade between our countries.