More than 500 women across Eswatini have become business owners and breadwinners through the Women’s Enterprise Revolving Fund, a transformative initiative launched over five years ago by Her Majesty the Queen Mother and supported by the Republic of China (Taiwan).
The fund was introduced following a US$1 million (around E18 million) donation from Taiwan’s former president, Tsai Ing-wen, to the Queen Mother. Since then, the programme has offered both training and revolving loans to women in rural and urban constituencies, helping them establish or grow small businesses.
The achievements of the initiative were presented today at SibaneSami Hotel during an event led by Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla. Also in attendance were His Excellency Dr. Lin Chia-Lung, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo, and Foreign Affairs Minister Pholile Shakantu.
DPM Dladla described the fund as a “beacon of hope,” noting that many women who once struggled to provide for their families are now able to send their children to school and sustain their households through their own businesses.
She commended the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for ensuring transparency and accountability in managing the fund, which has become a cornerstone of women’s economic empowerment in Eswatini.
Minister Khumalo echoed her remarks, applauding the ongoing partnership with the Taiwan Embassy and the Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association (CIECA) for their role in supporting local entrepreneurship.
Among those who shared their success stories were Lwazi and Nomfundo Mabuza, two beneficiaries who have used the fund to build sustainable livelihoods. Nomfundo, now working in agriculture, was gifted a present for her baby—named Taiwan—by Dr. Lin, in a touching moment that drew applause from the audience.
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