Mbabane, the capital city of Eswatini, is the largest city in the country and the administrative, cultural, and industrial hub of the nation. The city has a rich and vibrant industrial history, with many of the original factories and businesses still in operation today.
In the late 19th century, Mbabane was a small agricultural settlement, but it began to grow in importance when the British South African Company (BSAC) established a trading post in the area in 1889. This marked the beginning of the industrialization of the city, as the BSAC began to introduce modern technologies and infrastructure.
The first industries to be established in Mbabane were tobacco and cotton processing plants, which were set up by the BSAC in 1891. These factories were the first of their kind in the country and quickly became the foundation of the city’s manufacturing sector.
In the early 20th century, the city experienced a period of rapid industrial growth. A number of new factories were established, including a brewery, a match factory, a soap factory, and a printing press. These factories provided employment for hundreds of people and helped to transform Mbabane into an industrial center.
The industrialization of Mbabane continued in the mid-20th century, with the establishment of a number of large-scale factories, including a sugar mill, a paper mill, a textile mill, and a chemical plant. These factories provided employment for thousands of people and helped to make Mbabane one of the most important industrial cities in the country.
Today, Mbabane is home to a diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, textiles, chemicals, food processing, and printing. The city is also home to a number of large international companies, such as Coca-Cola, Nestlé, and Unilever, which have all established offices in the city.
Mbabane’s industrial history is an important part of the city’s identity and has helped to shape the city into the thriving metropolis it is today. The city’s factories and businesses have played an important role in the growth and development of the country, providing employment and helping to make Eswatini a prosperous nation.