By Nomsa Dlamini (Intern)
MBABANE – The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade is firmly committed to achieving His Majesty’s vision of producing the first billionaire Liswati business, said Minister Manqoba Khumalo yesterday during the 19 edition of the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (EYA), hosted by the Small Enterprises Development Company (SEDCO) in the Shiselweni Region.
The Minister emphasized that Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are not just small-scale businesses but vital engines of innovation, job creation, and community development. “They are the backbone of our communities, driving innovation, fostering local talent, and contributing significantly to the livelihoods of our citizens,” he said.
“Through our organizations such as SEDCO, we will continue to develop our entrepreneurs whilst also ensuring market opportunities for their products,” Khumalo declared, outlining the government’s broader ambition of transforming Eswatini’s economic landscape through a thriving and well-supported MSME sector.
He highlighted that SEDCO’s interventions including entrepreneurship training, business advisory services, incubation, and market access are designed to equip entrepreneurs with the tools they need to scale up and break into regional and international markets. Khumalo also noted that strategic initiatives such as Ingelo are critical in pushing forward this national ambition.
“Today’s winners and participants represent the entrepreneurial spirit we seek to grow,” he said. “Even those who didn’t walk away with a prize are winners. You have made your businesses known and are now plugged into opportunities that will support your growth.”
The event honoured outstanding businesses across the Shiselweni Region. Notably, Selina Auto Spares received two accolades, including Regional Outstanding Youth-Owned Business and Overall Regional Winner. Other category winners were:
Thembi Simelane – Regional Outstanding Street Vendor
Dlakadla Handicraft – Regional Outstanding Handicraft Business
Epower Hardware – Regional Outstanding Women-Owned Business
Resilient Mafu Farms – Regional Outstanding Agribusiness
Mshengu Fruits & Veg – Regional Outstanding Start-up
Minister Khumalo also acknowledged the critical role of sponsors and partners who made the event possible, including FNB, ENPD, FINCORP, Taiwan ICDF, Infinity Links, and new partners such as SBS, YERF, EBIS, Waterman, ESWASA, Eswatini Observer, A Peculiar People, and 2024 EYA winner Datamatics Eswatini.
“As a Ministry, we are walking hand in hand with entrepreneurs nurturing them, opening doors, and driving toward the ultimate goal of seeing the first Liswati billionaire business come to life,” Khumalo concluded.
(Courtesy Pics)
