BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI– For many young emaSwati walking through the Eswatini International Trade Fair with nothing more than a business idea and a dream, the Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund (YERF) had a message of hope: with the right support, that idea could become a business and that dream could become a future.
The message took centre stage during the 10-day EITF 2026, where YERF emerged as the Best Business Support Organisation, clinching top honours in Category 3 of the Stand Excellence Awards.
The award was announced during the Stand Excellence Awards and official closing ceremony held at the UNDP Sustainability Centre at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre in Manzini on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
For YERF, the recognition capped 10 days of engaging with young people who visited its stand to ask questions, explore funding opportunities and seek guidance on how to turn their business ambitions into reality.
YERF Marketing and Communications Officer Phila Nhlabatsi celebrated the achievement and expressed gratitude to everyone who visited the Fund’s stand and supported its mission.
“A huge thank you to everyone who visited the YERF stand, engaged with us, asked questions and supported our mission,” said Nhlabatsi.
He said the award was a fitting conclusion to the Fund’s participation at the country’s premier trade showcase.
“What a way to wrap up 10 incredible days at the 2026 Eswatini International Trade Fair,” he said.
But beyond the trophy, Nhlabatsi used the occasion to challenge young emaSwati to take the next step towards entrepreneurship and explore the opportunities available to support their business ambitions.
“Now, it’s your turn,” he said.
Nhlabatsi encouraged young people with business ideas to approach YERF and explore the funding, mentorship and support services available through the institution.
“Young emaSwati, take up YERF funding and turn your business idea into reality,” he said.
Throughout the trade fair, the YERF stand became a point of connection for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking answers about where to begin, how to access funding and what support was available to help them move from an idea to an operating business.
The recognition as the Best Business Support Organisation reflected the Fund’s efforts to make entrepreneurship support more accessible and connect directly with young people who are looking for opportunities to build their own futures.
For many aspiring entrepreneurs, access to capital, mentorship and business guidance can be the difference between an idea remaining a dream and becoming a viable enterprise.
Nhlabatsi said YERF remained ready to support young emaSwati who were prepared to take their ideas seriously and turn them into businesses.
“Your idea. Your business. Your future. Start with YERF,” he said.
As the 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair came to a close, YERF’s victory was about more than a stand award. It placed the spotlight on the young people behind Eswatini’s next generation of businesses — those with ideas today and, with the right support, the potential to become tomorrow’s entrepreneurs, innovators and employers.
#EITF2026 #YERF #YouthEmpowerment #FundYourFuture #BusinessSupport #YoungEntrepreneurs #StandExcellenceAwards #EIPA #MavusoTradeCentre #EswatiniYouth #EswatiniPositiveNews
(Courtesy Pic)
