BY PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
MBABANE – As part of their digital business transformation, the Federation of Eswatini Business Community (FESBC) has launched a new application for businesses.
The new application, which is known as eMalyami, is aimed to help business owners and service providers to access customers and market their products or services easier and faster. The app also allows users to send, receive and withdraw money through it.
This was confirmed by FESBC CEO Ben Simelane during an interview. Simelane said the new app was already available and encouraged business owners to download it.
“Digital Transformation (DT) is reshaping the global business landscape, profoundly impacting the MSME’s. It’s either you adapt or you cease to exist. MSME’s particularly in Africa including the Kingdom of Eswatini are key drivers of Economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction but face significant challenges such as limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure and skills gap. FESBC being the umbrella body saw it prudent to take the Digital Technology route which by the way fosters innovation, to the MSME’s. The aim is to integrate the Technology into the MSME’s Business environment,” Simelane said.
He mentioned that this initiative equips MSME’s with digital solutions that enables market share expansion, improves operational efficiencies, bring customers closer, foster innovation and build business resilience. He said the benefits included operational costs reduction, minimum cash handling and losses and business growth.
He said eMalyami platform or application was the first digital tool being introduced by FESBC in conjunction with SOBEK IMF. Simelane added that other applications shall follow in due course.
“The eMalyami platform is proudly African, created by Africans from all corners of the continent, so it had to have an African origin. In Zulu and Swati, “eMalyami” translates to “my money,” while “Malyami” or “mali yami” means “my wealth.” This name reflects the platform’s core mission—personal, accessible financial empowerment. It’s all about giving individuals and businesses ownership and control over their financial resources,” he added.
Simelane said the goal of eMalyami was to drive financial inclusion, economic empowerment, and digital connectivity across Eswatini, SADC Region, COMESA Region and the entire Africa.
“We want to provide accessible, secure, and user-friendly financial solutions that can help individuals, small businesses, and underserved communities.
The platform offers various modules, such as digital wallets, savings tools, loan management, e-commerce, crowdfunding, and cross-border remittance services. He said these features were designed to meet the unique needs of the people of Eswatini, enabling seamless transactions, promoting entrepreneurship, and supporting sustainable economic growth. He mentioned that through these tools, eMalyami aimed to bridge gaps in financial access, provide people with more control over their financial futures, and help build a more inclusive economy for all of Africa.
“It empowers African SMMEs with digital tools for financial management, market access, and growth. By facilitating smooth, secure digital transactions, eMalyami is opening doors for small businesses and individuals to conduct business and make payments from remote areas of Eswatini. This inclusivity not only benefits businesses but also creates new opportunities for local artisans, agricultural producers, and service providers who previously had limited market access,” he added.
