MANZINI – Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo joined stakeholders yesterday at the Eswatini International Trade Fair 2025 to celebrate youth-led enterprises and small business development.
Since 1968, the EITF has served as a platform for formal and informal businesses to showcase products and connect with potential partners. This year, organizers placed special focus on youth empowerment and MSME growth.
Minister Khumalo thanked Junior Achievement Eswatini and partners including FINCORP, UNFPA, and ENYC for supporting young entrepreneurs through programs such as the Youth Business Shower. The government continues to back youth initiatives with an annual subvention of E500,000 to JA Eswatini, as well as access to support funds like YERF, RDF, EADF, and ECGS.
Executive Director of JA Eswatini, Ms Masilela, said the second day of the Business Shower would see 100 young people attend a Business Masterclass at Metropolitan, with 35 applicants pitching their business plans. Ten plans were shortlisted and five will receive seed capital. Over the past three years, a total of 86 young entrepreneurs have benefited from the program.
FINCORP Group MD noted that the future of Eswatini’s economy depends on supporting thousands of entrepreneurs rather than a few large companies, pledging continued partnership and innovation to help young businesses thrive.
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