BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI- Young people interested in agriculture have been advised to first build strong business skills, conduct market research and develop viable business plans before seeking financial support for their enterprises.
The advice comes as efforts to strengthen youth participation in agribusiness continue, with a growing emphasis on preparing aspiring entrepreneurs to approach farming as a structured and competitive business sector rather than a subsistence activity.
The message was reinforced during the Manzini Christian Youth Empowerment Summit 2026, hosted by the Glory Restoration Assembly Church, where young people were engaged on practical pathways to economic independence through agriculture, science and technology.
The summit brought together key institutions including the Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund (YERF), the Eswatini Agricultural Development Fund, the Royal Science and Technology Park and the Eswatini Standards Authority, all of which urged young people to approach business with structure, discipline and long-term vision.
Speaking in an interview with Eswatini TV, Zweli Vilakati, Head of Technical Services at the Eswatini Agricultural Development Fund (EADF), said preparation before funding is critical for success in agriculture.
Vilakati said many young entrepreneurs focus heavily on accessing finance but overlook the importance of planning, research and business readiness.
“Funding alone is not enough. Young people must first understand the market, plan properly, and ensure they have a viable business model before they apply for support,” he said.
He noted that the failure of many youth-led agricultural projects is often linked not to lack of funding, but to poor financial management and weak business planning after receiving support.
“The biggest challenge is not access to funding, but how the resources are managed afterwards. Without proper planning and discipline, even well-funded projects can collapse,” Vilakati said.
Vilakati encouraged young agripreneurs to view agriculture as a full value chain industry, extending beyond production into agro-processing, packaging, branding and export opportunities.
“Agriculture offers more than farming. The real opportunities are in adding value, processing and taking products to market,” he said.
The Eswatini Agricultural Development Fund continues to provide both financial assistance and technical guidance aimed at strengthening productivity and improving the sustainability of youth-led agricultural enterprises.
The Eswatini Standards Authority also used the platform to highlight the importance of product quality and certification, stressing that compliance with recognised standards is essential for accessing wider and more competitive markets.
Officials noted that standardisation is increasingly becoming a key requirement for agricultural businesses seeking to compete locally and internationally, particularly within value-added sectors.
Government and development partners have intensified efforts to improve coordination among funding institutions to ensure youth programmes are more accessible, efficient and impactful across the country.
Young entrepreneurs were further encouraged to strengthen financial discipline, carry out proper market research and seek mentorship opportunities to improve business sustainability.
The summit was designed to combine spiritual encouragement with practical entrepreneurship training, ensuring that young people are equipped not only with motivation but also with practical skills for economic independence.
As Eswatini continues to prioritise youth empowerment, stronger collaboration between financial institutions, technical agencies and the private sector is expected to expand opportunities for young people in agriculture and related industries.
(Courtesy Pic)
