BY THEMBA ZWANE
EZULWINI– FNB Eswatini has expressed deep honour in launching and sponsoring the 20th edition SEDCO Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (EYA) which coincides with His Majesty King Mswati III’s 40-year anniversary on the Throne.
Executive Head of Commercial, Chantell Littler, who stood for the CEO at the launch of the 2026 EYA at Royal Villas, said it was a platform that celebrated the very best of Eswatini’s entrepreneurial spirit.
She announced a historic sponsorship of E2 million for this year’s edition.
“We are honoured that this year’s EYA, the 20th edition, is hosted in the same year Eswatini celebrates His Majesty’s 40 years on the throne. This feels like an opportune time for us to pause and reflect on the work we have been proud to do, working together with SEDCO in helping local SMEs grow,” she said.
Littler said this story was best told through the journeys of previous EYA winners, a few of which she briefly shared. She said she was aware of a winner who had just 12 employees when they started and an annual turnover of E1.2 million. Today, they employ about 50 people, with an annual turnover of E12 million.
Another winner employed just three people at the start of their journey, while recording turnover of about E1 million. Today, they employ about 20 people, with an annual turnover of about E40 million.
“We are proud to have walked the journey of growth with these entrepreneurs, providing them with the tailor-made solutions that speak to the needs of local businesses.”
Litter said their commitment was steadfast: as they grow, they want to grow with SMEs.
“I am now pleased to announce that the combined sponsorship by FNB Eswatini and the FNB Eswatini Foundation for this year’s EYA amounts to E2 million. This sponsorship package covers the grand prize for the National winner as well as the prize monies for national and regional winners, as well as supporting activities to be held in the different regions. On top of the grand prize, we are also proud to sponsor seven categories in both the regional and national stages. These categories are: Youth Owned; Women Owned; Most Innovative; Techno-Savvy; Green Business; Agribusiness; and Overall Winner.”
As they began this year’s EYA journey, she invited SMEs across the country to prepare their submissions and take part in this year’s EYA.
She said it could be one of them driving away in a brand-new vehicle later this year, just as Duncan Dlamini did last year, in the presence of His Majesty.
Littler thanked the Minister of Commerce , Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, for consistently making time to support such initiatives.
“Your involvement and commitment give the business community the confidence to continue investing in our people and country, assured that our collective efforts are fully supported by His Majesty’s Government. Siyabonga kakhulu, Ndvuna ye Nkhosi,” she said.
As FNB Eswatini, she added that they were proud to extend their partnership with the ministry and SEDCO on the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards into its 13th year.
She said their continued investment in EYA was fuelled by unwavering belief in the capability, resilience and ingenuity of Emaswati across all sectors of economy.
“Our role, as FNB Eswatini, is to help them achieve their goals, grow sustainable businesses, and lead prosperous lives. As a bank, we also believe that our help should reach Emaswati wherever they are, breaking down the barriers that often skew services towards urban areas, while unintentionally excluding those in rural communities. EYA provides us with a powerful platform through which we actively live our help promise across all of Eswatini.”
She added that the EYA partnership aligns with their Shared Prosperity agenda, through which they have committed to effectively leverage their core business activities to add value to society, profitably and at scale.
Within this agenda, EYA sits under the Economic Transformation pillar, reflecting belief that investing in entrepreneurs is essential to Eswatini’s long-term socio-economic growth plans. FNB Eswatini, believes that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the bedrock of Eswatini’s economic growth.
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