BY SIBUSISEKILE NDLANGAMANDLA
MANZINI– The Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund (YERF) is supporting young entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and access opportunities to showcase their products and services at the Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) 2026.
YERF CEO Mandla Nkambule said the fund continues to provide support aimed at helping youth-owned businesses become sustainable and contribute to economic development. The support includes collateral-free business loans, pre-funding for business training, order financing and continuous mentorship.
These interventions are designed to assist young entrepreneurs not only with access to finance, but also with the skills, knowledge and guidance needed to manage and grow their businesses.
Access to finance remains an important part of establishing and expanding a business. Through its financing support, YERF provides young entrepreneurs with an opportunity to access funding without the requirement for collateral, making it easier for youth-owned businesses to pursue their business plans.
The fund also supports entrepreneurs beyond financing by pre-funding business training and providing continuous mentorship. This gives beneficiaries guidance as they work towards strengthening their businesses and making them sustainable.
Among the YERF-supported businesses exhibiting at the trade fair is Groening and Associates, which offers tutoring services to high school and tertiary students. Its participation at the EITF provides the business with an opportunity to showcase its educational services, engage with potential customers and create greater awareness of its work.
Also exhibiting is Love Pharmacy, a YERF-supported business based in Nhlangano. The pharmacy is led by a graduate of Christian University, highlighting how young graduates can turn their knowledge and skills into business opportunities.
The participation of the two businesses demonstrates the different sectors in which young entrepreneurs are establishing themselves, while providing them with a platform to connect with customers and showcase their services.
Mzwakhe Mabuza said that For entrepreneurs, participating in the EITF also provides an opportunity to gain visibility, interact with the market and showcase the progress made since receiving support.
Through its financial and non-financial support, the fund is helping young entrepreneurs move beyond starting businesses towards building enterprises that can become sustainable over time.
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