BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE– The Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Honourable Manqoba B. Khumalo, has officially announced that His Majesty King Mswati III will grace and officiate the highly anticipated Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (EYA) National Gala Dinner, scheduled for Wednesday, 22nd October 2025.
Speaking during a press briefing held at the MSME Meeting Room in Mbabane on Wednesday morning, Minister Khumalo described the EYA Gala as more than just an awards ceremony, but rather a national declaration of support for entrepreneurial excellence and economic transformation.
“This event is a reflection of our commitment to His Majesty’s vision of economic self-reliance,” said Khumalo. “We are working deliberately towards producing the first Liswati billionaire business, and our entrepreneurs are the architects of that vision.”
The EYA programme, hosted by the Small Enterprises Development Company (SEDCO), is regarded as Eswatini’s premier platform for recognising innovation, resilience, and leadership in the micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector. Throughout the year, the awards have spotlighted business excellence across all four regions of the Kingdom.
The upcoming gala dinner will mark the conclusion of a rigorous selection process, culminating in the announcement of the national winner. “The entrepreneur who walks away with the top accolade will not only embody outstanding business acumen but will also represent the very best of Eswatini’s enterprising spirit,” the Minister added.
Khumalo also noted that many past winners have gone on to represent the country at key local and international trade events, including the Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF), the World Expo, exhibitions in Taiwan, and within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The 2025 edition of the awards is aligned with the country’s MSME Policy 2024–2029, supporting strategic goals such as fostering an entrepreneurial culture and increasing market access for small businesses. Khumalo emphasised the broader benefits of participation, including increased visibility, access to investment networks, and opportunities for regional and global expansion.
Acknowledging the stakeholders who have contributed to the success of the event, Khumalo extended sincere gratitude to the private sector, particularly First National Bank (FNB) Eswatini, the title sponsor of this year’s awards. FNB has invested over E1.7 million, which includes the grand prize of a brand-new vehicle and sponsorship of the regional events.
The Minister urged corporate leaders, investors, financial institutions, development partners, and the media to support the national gala by attending in person. “Your presence is more than symbolic—it’s a strong message of support for our entrepreneurs and their role in driving inclusive economic growth,” he said.
Concluding his address, Khumalo described the EYA as a critical investment in the country’s economic future. “On the 22nd of October, we will not just honour businesses—we will be celebrating the emergence of a stronger, more dynamic and self-reliant Eswatini economy,” he said.
(Courtesy Pic)
