BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
EZULWINI – A 2026 Toyota Hilux Single Cab 2.4 GD-6 valued at E586 591, inclusive of one year’s insurance, is set to give one of Eswatini’s four regional entrepreneurship champions a practical tool to grow their business.
FNB Eswatini CEO Thokozani ‘TK’ Dlamini said the vehicle, which was unveiled at the bank’s head office in Ezulwini on Monday morning, reflects the bank’s belief that support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) must go beyond promises and produce tangible benefits.
The grand prize will be awarded to the national winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (EYA) 2026 at the gala dinner scheduled for October 21.
Dlamini said mobility was a necessity for businesses of all sizes, particularly SMEs seeking to reach more customers, respond to changing market demands and expand sustainably.
“Our people must be able to easily access it and feel its effect on their lives,” he said, explaining the bank’s approach to practical assistance.
He said FNB Eswatini and the FNB Eswatini Foundation remained committed to investing in local enterprises through lending, advisory support and products designed around the needs of entrepreneurs.
Dlamini added that the bank would use feedback gathered during the FNB SME Growth Forums held between July and August to shape solutions for businesses in the coming weeks and months.
He said investing in SMEs was also an investment in the wider economy, with the potential to create jobs and improve access to affordable goods and services for emaSwati.
SEDCO CEO Khethiwe Mhlanga said the vehicle could help the winning entrepreneur scale up operations and serve customers across the country.
She urged all four regional winners to think beyond their immediate markets and identify opportunities to serve businesses and communities in other regions.
Mhlanga cited farmers in Lubombo who need services, potential customers requiring furniture maintenance in Shiselweni and opportunities for entrepreneurs in Manzini to participate in manufacturing and broader business value chains.
She said the grand prize should inspire entrepreneurs to continue working hard, while those who did not win should remain committed to growing their businesses.
“One of you is going to come out with the prize, but it doesn’t mean the rest of you won’t have any assistance later on. We’ll still be there to support you,” Mhlanga said.
She also commended FNB Eswatini for maintaining its partnership with SEDCO and providing platforms, including the SME Day sessions during this year’s EYA regional events, where entrepreneurs could raise challenges affecting their businesses.
According to Mhlanga, these engagements were important because they gave FNB an opportunity to understand entrepreneurs’ needs and develop services that would help them grow.
She further reaffirmed SEDCO’s commitment to building Eswatini by helping entrepreneurs access skills development and market linkages.
The four regional winners competing for the national title represent different sectors of the economy.
They are Epower Hardware from Shiselweni, which supplies hardware and construction materials; Eli Olivia Khoza’s agricultural venture, Eli Olivia, from Lubombo; Melane Leather Eswatini, owned by Dumsile Nobuhle Simelane, from Hhohho; and Notsa Eswatini Traditional Attire, owned by Mantantasa Wandile Dlamini, from Manzini.
Their businesses reflect the range of enterprises contributing to local economic activity, from agriculture and construction supplies to leather craftsmanship and traditional attire.
The October 21 gala dinner will determine which of the four entrepreneurs takes home the vehicle.
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(Courtesy Pic)
