By Phesheya Ian Kunene
MBABANE – The Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF) has committed E100,000 to this year’s Eswatini Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, marking a 50% increase from last year’s sponsorship.
The official sponsorship handover took place this morning at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, where ENPF General Manager Operations, Miccah Nkabindze represented the CEO.
Nkabindze emphasized that SMEs are not just businesses but the “heartbeat of the economy.”
He described the sponsorship as “fuel for dreams,” aimed at empowering local entrepreneurs to expand and thrive.
“We firmly believe that empowering SMEs is essential for the innovation and resilience of our economy. These businesses create employment opportunities and serve as vital pillars for economic growth,” Nkabindze stated.
“This year’s increased contribution reflects our growing dedication to supporting this cause,” he added.
Khethiwe Mhlanga, CEO of SEDCO, was visibly delighted by the E100 000 sponsorship, which she described as a game-changer for local businesses.
She praised ENPF for its support and acknowledged the vital role played by FNB Eswatini, the main sponsor, in ensuring the success of the awards.
Mhlanga highlighted that the financial boost would provide more opportunities for entrepreneurs at both regional and national levels, enabling them to reinvest in their businesses.
“This year, we are ensuring that even regional winners will receive financial rewards that can help them scale their businesses,” Mhlanga explained.
“It’s not just about the national winners anymore; all entrepreneurs, regardless of their level, will benefit.”
Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Mancoba Khumalo, also attended the handover and expressed his gratitude to ENPF for its invaluable support.
The minister praised the contribution as an important step towards empowering SMEs and youth-led businesses across the country. Khumalo stressed that His Majesty King Mswati III’s vision is for local entrepreneurs to grow into billionaires, and this sponsorship plays a key role in realizing that dream.
“Every cent of this sponsorship will go towards nurturing local talent and fostering business growth. Our mission is clear: we want to create an environment that supports entrepreneurship and ensures long-term sustainability for our economy,” Khumalo remarked.
He further emphasized that the government, private sector, development partners, financial institutions, and entrepreneurs must work collaboratively to create an enabling environment for business success.
The Minister also outlined several government initiatives aimed at supporting the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), encouraging entrepreneurs to take full advantage of these opportunities.
ENPF’s contribution to the Eswatini Entrepreneur of the Year Awards is poised to uplift the country’s SMEs and youth entrepreneurs, providing them with the resources and recognition they need to thrive.
With such strong backing from ENPF and FNB Eswatini, the future of Eswatini’s economy looks brighter than ever.
This year’s awards promise to be a milestone event for local entrepreneurs, as they continue to shape the economic landscape of Eswatini.
