BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE (INTERN)
MBABANE– A new partnership between Cake Baking Eswatini and the Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund (YERF) is opening doors for aspiring young bakers, offering practical skills, financial support, and a pathway into entrepreneurship.
The initiative targets youth aged 18 to 35, aiming to transform baking from a passion into a sustainable source of income. Through this collaboration, participants will gain access to essential resources including baking equipment, ingredients, and business training.
Training Manager Sibusiso Mashwama described the programme as a major milestone for the country’s growing baking sector. He emphasized that Cake Baking Eswatini has positioned itself as a leading platform dedicated to empowering bakers to earn a living.
“This partnership is very important because many emaSwati have the skill but lack resources,” Mashwama said. “With support from the Youth Fund, young bakers will be able to access equipment such as ovens, stoves, and ingredients, which are often barriers to starting a business.”
He further explained that the Youth Fund will not only provide material support but also financial assistance, allowing young entrepreneurs to borrow capital to launch or expand their baking ventures. In addition, beneficiaries will receive training in business management, equipping them with skills to sustain and grow their enterprises.
Mashwama highlighted that access to funding, coupled with mentorship, is expected to address one of the biggest challenges facing young entrepreneurs turning talent into viable businesses.
As part of the rollout, an information session is scheduled for April 28 at the Liberty Centre, where young bakers will learn how the fund operates and how they can benefit from it.
The initiative is expected to strengthen Eswatini’s small business ecosystem, particularly within the food and baking industry, which continues to show potential for job creation and innovation.
Stakeholders believe that by investing in youth-driven enterprises, the programme will contribute to reducing unemployment while fostering a culture of entrepreneurship across the country.
#Eswatini #YouthEmpowerment #Entrepreneurship #BakingIndustry
(Courtesy Pic)
