By Phesheya Ian Kunene
MANZINI – Over 130 ambitious entrepreneurs from across Eswatini have thrown their hats into the ring for the 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (EYA), reaffirming the nation’s growing spirit of innovation and business development.
The impressive number was revealed during the Manzini Regional Ceremony held at the George Hotel, where Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo applauded the overwhelming response and highlighted the significance of such participation in driving inclusive economic growth.
“This year’s EYA received over 130 applications nationally, and a staggering 116 came from the Manzini region alone,” said Khumalo. “This speaks volumes about the region’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and the hunger Emaswati have to contribute meaningfully to our economy.”
The Minister noted that of the 116 submissions from Manzini, 68 were from female-led businesses and 60 were youth-driven, with one application from a person living with a disability, an inspiring snapshot of Eswatini’s diverse business landscape.
“This level of participation shows that entrepreneurship is alive and well in Eswatini,” Khumalo stated. “It also demonstrates the impact of government’s ongoing efforts to promote economic inclusion, especially among young people, women, and marginalised groups.”
The Minister used the occasion to reiterate the government’s commitment to empowering Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which he described as “the true engines of economic growth and job creation.”
Khumalo also spotlighted the Ministry’s roll-out of entrepreneurship support services to all Tinkhundla centres, in line with His Majesty King Mswati III’s directive. He added that progress on the Citizen Economic Empowerment Act and the recently launched MSME Policy is aimed at equipping local businesses with the tools to thrive, formalise, and explore export markets.
“Our goal is to turn aspiring entrepreneurs into global business leaders,” he said. “With innovation hubs, incubation centres, and strong market linkages, we’re making it easier for emaSwati to succeed.”
He extended special thanks to EYA 2025 title sponsors, FNB Eswatini and the FNB Foundation, for their ongoing investment in entrepreneurial development.
Khumalo encouraged all participants to view the EYA platform not just as a competition, but as a springboard to greater opportunities.
“Each of the 130 applicants represents a dream, a potential employer, and a future economic contributor,” he said. “Let us support these visionaries as they shape a stronger Eswatini.”
The EYA 2025 Regional Awards have already made successful stops in Shiselweni, Lubombo, and Hhohho, culminating in Manzini before the much-anticipated national finals later this year.
