BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE – A new partnership between the Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund (YERF) and Cake Bakers Eswatini (CBE) is set to unlock funding, skills development and market opportunities for aspiring young bakers across the Kingdom, creating a pathway for sustainable businesses and job creation.
The two organisations officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday, marking the beginning of a strategic collaboration aimed at transforming talented bakers into successful entrepreneurs.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, YERF representatives described the partnership as a major step towards empowering youth through enterprise development.
“We are not just a fund; we are a Launchpad,” said YERF. “We want to support young entrepreneurs who have the passion, skills and proper training to build viable and profitable businesses. Through this partnership, bakers will have access to funding, business development support and opportunities to grow their enterprises.”
Under the agreement, members of Cake Bakers Eswatini will be able to access YERF funding to establish or expand their baking businesses. The initiative will also provide professional training, mentorship programmes, financial literacy education and marketing support to help entrepreneurs succeed in a competitive market.
YERF further highlighted that the revolving fund model will ensure that successful beneficiaries help create opportunities for others, as loan repayments will be reinvested to support future entrepreneurs.
Cake Bakers Eswatini Training Manager Sibusiso Mashwama said the partnership addresses a long-standing challenge faced by many young bakers.
“Many young people complete baking training but struggle to access the funding needed to start their businesses. This delays their entrepreneurial journey. Through this partnership, our members will not only improve their baking skills but will also gain access to financial support and business development opportunities,” he said.
Mashwama added that the collaboration will also create national marketing opportunities and recognition programmes to celebrate outstanding bakers and inspire excellence within the industry.
The partnership is expected to benefit young entrepreneurs in both urban and rural communities, helping to create employment, stimulate local economic growth and strengthen Eswatini’s small business sector.
As the programme rolls out, aspiring bakers have been encouraged to join Cake Bakers Eswatini, acquire professional training and take advantage of the funding opportunities available through YERF.
The initiative is expected to play a significant role in promoting youth entrepreneurship and building a new generation of successful business owners in Eswatini.
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