BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI– As unemployment continues to push many households to rethink how they earn a living, baking is quietly rising as one of the most practical pathways to income, dignity, and self-reliance in Eswatini.
This shift was evident on April 29, 2026 at The George Hotel, where bakers gathered not just to learn recipes, but to strengthen survival skills for a changing economy.
The MTN Bakers Masterclass, hosted by MTN Eswatini, brought together aspiring and experienced bakers who are increasingly turning passion into small businesses in response to limited job opportunities. For many, baking has moved beyond tradition — it is now a source of income, independence, and resilience.
Speaking during the session, Lungile Mzizi from the agriculture sector said the growing interest in baking reflects a wider need for practical skills development and shared learning among entrepreneurs.
“As the agriculture sector, we have seen the growing interest in baking and felt it was important to create a platform where bakers can come together, exchange ideas, and learn practical skills that can improve their products and businesses,” said Mzizi.
One of the most impactful moments came through a live demonstration by respected baker Nelisiwe Nkala, popularly known as Mrs M, who broke down baking into simple but powerful principles — precision, patience, and consistency — showing participants how small improvements can transform both quality and sales potential.
Participants also received insights from Celiwe Shongwe of the Ministry of Agriculture Home Economics section, who stressed that strong baking outcomes begin long before production, starting with the quality of agricultural inputs used.
Acting CEO of MTN Eswatini, Jerry Soko, said the initiative responds directly to entrepreneurs seeking more than connectivity — but real, practical empowerment.
“Baking plays an important role in food security, livelihoods, and economic growth. We listened to business owners who asked for meaningful engagement, and this masterclass is part of our commitment to supporting small businesses with relevant skills and opportunities,” said Soko.
The session left participants with more than technical knowledge. It strengthened confidence, encouraged collaboration, and reinforced the belief that small skills can grow into sustainable businesses when properly nurtured.
For many bakers, the experience confirmed a simple but powerful reality — in the face of unemployment, opportunity is increasingly being created, not found.
#BusinessDoneBetter #MTNBakersMasterclass #SupportLocal #SkillsDevelopment #Eswatini
