BY NOMTHANDAZO MAYISELA (INTERN)
MANZINI– Young people from across Eswatini gathered at Alcon House in Manzini on May 22, 2026 for a Youth Piggery Engagement Session hosted by the Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund, where discussions focused on expanding youth participation in piggery farming, strengthening agribusiness management, and improving market access within the agricultural sector.
The engagement brought together aspiring pig farmers, youth entrepreneurs, development partners, and agricultural stakeholders to explore opportunities within piggery farming and discuss challenges affecting youth-led enterprises. The session also introduced a proposed piggery support model aimed at improving production systems, technical support, and access to financing for young farmers.
Addressing participants, Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund Chief Executive Officer Mandla Nkambule said the country must begin positioning young people to become large-scale business owners capable of contributing meaningfully to economic growth and food security.
“This meeting is not just an ordinary gathering. It is a pivotal step towards changing your lives, enhancing your livelihoods, and transforming you into real business leaders,” Nkambule said.
He announced that the fund is modernising its agricultural financing approach by shifting from traditional funding methods to a broader agricultural value chain financing model that supports farmers throughout production stages.
Nkambule explained that the new approach will connect youth farmers with technical experts in areas such as genetics, feed production, pricing, and quality meat production to help improve competitiveness in both local and international markets.
He further revealed plans to launch a tailored agricultural loan product by June 2026 to support expansion within the sector. According to Nkambule, the long-term vision is to reduce imports, increase local production, and strengthen exports while contributing to food security and employment creation.
Entrepreneur of the Year Duncan Dlamini also encouraged participants to prioritise discipline and financial management in their businesses. “Do not rush to invest in personal luxury before your business is stable. Instead, prioritise investing in your business so that it can grow and become sustainable,” he said.
Dlamini also stressed the importance of hands-on management and proper financial oversight, warning that poor financial practices continue to affect many youth-owned enterprises.
The engagement formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen youth participation in agriculture and encourage young entrepreneurs to view agribusiness as a viable commercial sector capable of creating sustainable livelihoods.
#YERF #YouthInAgriculture #PiggeryFarming #Agribusiness #Eswatini
(Courtesy Pic)
