BY SIBUSISEKILE NDLANGAMANDLA
MANZINI – Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) under the Small Enterprises Development Company (SEDCO) incubation programme have recorded more than E9.9 million in sales while creating 507 jobs during the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year.
Figures contained in the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade’s First Quarter Performance Report show that incubated businesses generated E9 955 372.30 in sales revenue during the period. The performance highlights the growing contribution of supported enterprises towards employment creation and economic activity, as Government continues to strengthen entrepreneurship and business development initiatives.
During the quarter, SEDCO provided entrepreneurs with coaching, mentorship and business development support aimed at improving their ability to manage and grow their businesses. The interventions focused on areas including financial management, corporate governance and compliance.
A total of 67 businesses participated in 153 coaching and mentoring sessions during the reporting period. The sessions provided entrepreneurs with guidance on key aspects of running sustainable enterprises and responding to business challenges.
SEDCO further expanded its entrepreneurship training programmes, reaching hundreds of aspiring and existing entrepreneurs. The Entrepreneurship Course trained 393 participants, while 200 young people received training through the “How to Start a Successful Business” programme.
Entrepreneurship activation and sensitisation sessions were also conducted, reaching 45 participants. Meanwhile, five participants registered on the SIMAMA Entrepreneurship Online Platform, with three completing the training successfully. Infrastructure development also remained part of SEDCO’s efforts to strengthen the MSME ecosystem. The Macetjeni/Gilgal iHub was completed during the quarter and is expected to provide space for innovation, incubation and enterprise development. Its official launch is planned for the second quarter.
At Bulimeni and Mvundla, SEDCO progressed with infrastructure projects after the sites were handed over to contractors. The projects are expected to support local businesses operating in areas such as hammer mills, hair salons, carpentry, welding and dressmaking.
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