MANZINI - His Majesty King Mswati III has called on government to intensify efforts to create an enabling business environment for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to thrive.
He said such conditions must support local entrepreneurs to scale up and eventually achieve the milestone of generating E1 billion in annual turnover.
The King made this call during the 19th edition of the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (EYA) 2025 Gala Dinner held at Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre in Manzini.
The event brought together business leaders, government officials, entrepreneurs, development partners and the diplomatic community to celebrate outstanding entrepreneurial achievements in the country.
His Majesty emphasised that MSMEs play a critical role in sustaining livelihoods, stimulating innovation and supporting national development. He noted that one liSwati often supports up to 10 dependants, which means every thriving small business contributes directly to broader social welfare.
“Tonight’s ceremony provides us with a valuable opportunity to shine a spotlight on the role our entrepreneurs play in driving economic growth, creating jobs and fostering innovation,” His Majesty said. “We urge government to create an environment that enables all businesses, regardless of their size, to thrive in the kingdom.”
His Majesty reaffirmed a national goal of developing an entrepreneur whose business reaches a turnover of E1 billion, stating that this ambition is not merely financial, but central to building an export-led, globally competitive economy.
“The drive towards E1 billion is not just about financial success; it involves the broader goal of elevating Eswatini’s presence on the global stage,” His Majesty said. He encouraged local entrepreneurs to expand into regional and international markets by leveraging trade opportunities available under blocs such as Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Southern African Customs Union (SACU), the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
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FNB reaffirms commitment to MSME partnership
MANZINI - FNB Eswatini Chief Executive Officer Thokozani ‘TK’ Dlamini has reaffirmed the bank’s long-term commitment to supporting the development of the country’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs),
He said strong public–private partnerships remain essential to unlocking growth and creating lasting economic impact.
Dlamini said the 2025 programme had demonstrated what is possible when government, financial institutions and development stakeholders work in deliberate collaboration.
He reflected on the journey that began at the launch of the 19th edition of the awards earlier this year, noting that every partner involved played a meaningful role in ensuring that the national initiative was delivered with excellence.
“When the 19th edition of the awards was launched in April, we had no idea of the incredible journey we would follow with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, SEDCO, our entrepreneurs and fellow partners,” he said. “Every partner put their best foot forward to ensure that this national assignment was implemented with the distinction it deserves.”
Dlamini said FNB strongly believes that private–public partnerships are key to removing barriers and delivering meaningful support to the people, particularly to entrepreneurs working to scale up their businesses.
“As a bank, we firmly believe in private – public partnerships to cut through existing barriers and deliver sustainable help that works for the people we serve,” he said. “Consistent collaboration and support enable a conducive operating environment for continued investment into such initiatives.”
He acknowledged the strong relationship between FNB and the Government of Eswatini, especially the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, saying this has made it easier to align investments with the nation’s development goals.
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Lubombo agribusiness entrepreneur crowned overall winner
MBABANE - The 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards concluded with Duncan Jonathan Dlamini of DJD Investments being crowned the Overall National Winner, walking away with a brand-new Toyota Hilux Single Cab valued at E600 000.
Dlamini, representing the Lubombo Region, leads an expanding agribusiness enterprise that specialises in breeding, raising and processing pigs, supplying premium pork products to major retailers, butcheries and emerging distributors across the country.
Since its establishment in 2017, the business has grown steadily into one of the region’s most promising agribusiness operations. DJD Investments currently processes and distributes over 80 pig carcasses per week, while creating sustainable employment for over 20 people and engaging several additional seasonal contractors during peak production periods.
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Record 412 entrepreneurs apply for national awards
MANZINI – The Chief Executive Officer of the Small Enterprises Development Company (SEDCO), Khethiwe Mhlanga, has described the 2025 19th edition of the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (EYA) as a landmark moment in Eswatini’s entrepreneurial journey.
This follows an unprecedented surge in participation from business owners across the country.
Mhlanga revealed that the programme received a record 412 applications, nearly double the 218 entries recorded last year. She said this growth reflects a rising national confidence in entrepreneurship as a viable pathway to economic empowerment, job creation and long-term national development.
“This is a powerful signal of the vibrant growth of our entrepreneurial ecosystem,” she said. “The surge in applications demonstrates that more emaSwati are not only starting businesses, but actively pursuing excellence and seeking platforms to scale.”
Highlighting the history of the awards, Mhlanga said the EYA has, for nearly two decades, been a cornerstone of SEDCO’s mission to develop and strengthen MSMEs. She emphasised that the programme is not just a one-night celebration, but the culmination of ongoing training, mentorship, enterprise development and strategic support provided throughout the year.
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Datamatics Eswatini commended for global excellence
MANZINI – His Majesty King Mswati III applauded Datamatics Eswatini, the 2024 overall winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, for raising Eswatini’s profile internationally through innovation and excellence.
“We have been informed that some of our most recent winners have showcased their excellence beyond our borders. A huge congratulations goes to Datamatics Eswatini,” His Majesty said.
Datamatics Director Sibusiso Baartjies expressed deep gratitude for the recognition and outlined how the award strengthened the company’s credibility and growth. He said the recognition opened doors for new partnerships across government, development agencies and the private sector.
Baartjies shared that Datamatics has expanded its technology solutions in areas such as smart urban planning, healthcare digital systems, financial analytics and national mapping and data services.
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