By Tlalane Dlamini
Enactus UNESWA Luyengo Campus has secured E100,000 in sponsorship from Standard Bank Eswatini in a landmark handover that highlights growing support for youth-led innovation and sustainable entrepreneurship.
The ceremony took place at the bank’s head office on September 18, 2025, where the Enactus Luyengo team delivered a dynamic presentation of their flagship project, Nutri Plume, to senior executives.
Among those in attendance were Head of Business and Commercial Banking, Mlamuli Hlatshwayo (representing CE Mvuselelo Fakudze), Head of Enterprise Banking, Setsabile Nhlabatsi, and Head of Brand and Marketing, Sanele Khumalo.
Nutri Plume is an innovative fertiliser made from chicken broiler feathers, designed to improve soil fertility and support environmentally sustainable agriculture.
Speaking after the presentation, Hlatshwayo reaffirmed Standard Bank’s commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs. “As a bank, our main aim is to empower youth-owned enterprises with financial literacy, entrepreneurial skills, and the tools they need to not just survive, but thrive in business. Together, we’re building a future where young entrepreneurs can turn challenges into opportunities,” he said.
He further encouraged Team Luyengo to return for discussions on how Standard Bank can help them leverage international platforms connected to the bank, adding that if they achieve first place in the competition, the bank has something special planned for them.
Enactus Country Director Sabelo Dlamini emphasised that the sponsorship will cover logistics for the team’s upcoming international trip. “This partnership goes beyond funding; it’s about equipping young visionaries with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to build sustainable businesses that change lives,” Dlamini said.
“When corporates and communities come together, we don’t just create entrepreneurs, we create a generation of problem-solvers ready to shape a better tomorrow,” he added.
The E100,000 injection from Standard Bank adds to a growing wave of support for the team.
On September 17, 2025, Montigny Investments announced a E50,000 sponsorship to assist with travel, training, and logistics ahead of the competition. The company’s contribution was also aimed at ensuring the students are fully equipped to represent Eswatini on the global stage.
Other partners have stepped in with various forms of assistance, from clothing to presentation coaching, highlighting a collective commitment to developing future business leaders.
With the Enactus World Cup scheduled in Bangkok, Thailand, from September 25 to 28, 2025, the timing of this sponsorship is critical.
The Enactus UNESWA Luyengo team will showcase Nutri Plume against some of the best student innovations from around the globe. Their project not only embodies sustainability but also addresses pressing agricultural challenges facing the region, giving it strong potential to stand out internationally.
The financial and technical support received enables them to focus on perfecting their presentation and strategy, ensuring they represent both their university and their country with pride.
Beyond the immediate competition, the sponsorship reflects a broader investment in Eswatini’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. By backing young innovators with resources and mentorship, companies like Standard Bank and Montigny contribute to a cycle of growth that extends beyond business to issues like food security, sustainability, and community development.
These partnerships demonstrate how private sector engagement can bridge gaps in youth empowerment, helping transform promising ideas into scalable solutions.
As the countdown to Bangkok continues, Enactus UNESWA Luyengo Campus extends its gratitude to Standard Bank Eswatini, Montigny Investments, and all supporting partners for their dedication to the team’s success.