BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
MBABANE– The Youth Entrepreneurs Excellence Awards are set to take place in 2026, targeting youth funded under the Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund (YERF).
The awards, which will be hosted nationally, aim to promote financial discipline, accountability, and sustainable business growth among young entrepreneurs.
Participation in the awards will be strictly contingent on compliance, with consistent YERF loan repayments identified as the primary qualifying criterion. Funded youth are being urged to integrate repayments into their monthly financial routines to strengthen their eligibility.
According to YERF CEO Mandla Nkambule, the awards will highlight entrepreneurs who have combined innovation with responsible financial management. Emphasis on repayment discipline is intended to reinforce the sustainability of the revolving fund and ensure continued access to finance for future beneficiaries.
The initiative aligns with broader economic objectives, as a financially disciplined youth enterprise sector is expected to contribute to stronger businesses and improved access to funding, thereby supporting national economic resilience.
Preparations for the 2026 awards are ongoing, with YERF encouraging all funded youth to remain consistent in their repayment schedules. Officials noted that regular repayment strengthens financial credibility and positions entrepreneurs for future funding opportunities and business growth.
The Youth Entrepreneurs Excellence Awards 2026 will mark a milestone in Eswatini’s youth entrepreneurship landscape, recognising not only ambition and innovation but also compliance and accountability as key measures of excellence.
