BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
NHLANGANO– Young Eswatini entrepreneurs are being challenged to play a pivotal role in transforming the country’s agricultural sector, strengthening food security, and exploring renewable energy opportunities.
Speaking at the Youth Enterprise Fund Offices in Nhlangano, Youth Enterprise Fund (YEF) CEO, Mandla Nkambule, commended the youth for their contribution to economic growth, reducing unemployment, and helping to feed the nation amid increasing food insecurity.
“Your entrepreneurial efforts are not only creating jobs but also ensuring that our communities have access to essential food items,” Nkambule said. Nkambule highlighted the Ministry of Agriculture’s call for food sovereignty and urged young entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in agriculture. He shared the following figures to illustrate the gaps:
“Our consumption is about 27 thousand metric tonnes of maize, while we produce about 7 thousand. This leaves a gap of 20 thousand metric tonnes. In beans, we consume about 7 thousand metric tonnes, yet we produce only about 600. These gaps show the huge potential for youth to step in and grow businesses locally, reduce dependency on imports, and contribute directly to national food security.”
He encouraged entrepreneurs to identify gaps in the agricultural sector where they could expand their ventures, noting that agriculture offers significant potential for long-term profitability and sustainability.
Moving beyond agriculture, Nkambule also addressed the country’s electricity challenges, noting that shortages and high losses by the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) are caused by purchasing power from outside. He urged young entrepreneurs to consider renewable energy solutions as both a business opportunity and a way to support national energy stability.
The recognition event also celebrated youth who have consistently demonstrated responsible loan repayment practices, underscoring the link between financial discipline and business growth. By maintaining good financial standing, these young entrepreneurs are not only building personal wealth but are also paving the way for further investment opportunities.
Nkambule concluded by reminding the youth that their role in agriculture and renewable energy extends beyond business, it is about creating a resilient nation. “When you invest in agriculture and renewable energy, you are investing in our country’s future. You are ensuring that our people have access to nutritious food and reliable energy while contributing to Eswatini’s economic stability,” he said.
With this call to action, the YEF continues to inspire a generation of disciplined, innovative, and socially responsible youth ready to transform Eswatini’s economy, one business venture at a time.
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