BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
EZULWINI – Young entrepreneurs are making a growing contribution to Eswatini’s economy, with 28 percent of the country’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) now owned by people under the age of 35.
The figures are contained in the State of the Youth Report 2026, officially launched by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini on June 25. The report also reveals that 73 percent of Eswatini’s population is under the age of 35, highlighting the significant role young people are playing in driving economic growth and innovation.
The findings are viewed as a positive sign for Eswatini’s future. With nearly three-quarters of the country’s population being young, an increasing number of youth-owned businesses means the next generation is creating jobs, generating income and reducing dependence on government and formal employment.
As these businesses grow, they are expected to strengthen the country’s economy, expand the tax base, encourage innovation and improve livelihoods for future generations.
Director of Small and Medium Enterprises, Mluleki Dlamini, welcomed the findings, saying they demonstrate that youth are increasingly embracing entrepreneurship and taking advantage of government support programmes designed to help them build sustainable businesses.
He said government continues to strengthen partnerships with the private sector and development partners to improve access to finance, digital innovation, business development services and markets for young entrepreneurs.
One of the country’s flagship interventions is the Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund (YERF), established by Government in 2009 to tackle youth unemployment by providing affordable business financing. The fund was restructured in 2019 into a standalone Category A parastatal to improve access to zero-collateral loans for young entrepreneurs.
Since its revival, YERF has approved more than E25.5 million in loans, supporting over 540 youth-owned businesses in sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, ICT and services. The fund provides loans ranging from E5 000 to E150 000 for emaSwati aged between 18 and 35.
Beyond financial support, young entrepreneurs are benefiting from a growing network of institutions that provide mentorship, training and business incubation.
The Eswatini National Youth Council continues to coordinate youth empowerment programmes and hosts career and entrepreneurship expos, while Junior Achievement Eswatini equips young people with practical business skills and links them to funding opportunities.
YouthConnekt Eswatini is expanding opportunities by connecting youth-led enterprises with digital skills, private sector networks and international development partners, while the Youth Chamber of Commerce and Industries advocates for policies that create a more enabling environment for young businesses.
Other institutions such as the Small Enterprises Development Company (SEDCO), the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP), the Industrial Development Company of Eswatini (IDCE), the MTN Eswatini Foundation and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) continue to provide business incubation, financing, mentorship and enterprise development support.
The State of the Youth Report paints an encouraging picture of a new generation of entrepreneurs who are not only building successful businesses today but are also laying the foundation for a more resilient, innovative and prosperous Eswatini in the years ahead.
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