The Founder of DJD Investments, Duncan Jonathan Dlamini, has been named Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 at the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (EYA). The awards were hosted by the Small Enterprises Development Company (SEDCO) on Friday night at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre, in the presence of His Majesty King Mswati III.
Dlamini, who drives Eswatini’s growing agribusiness landscape through DJD Investments based in Matsetsa, walked away with the national title and a brand-new Toyota Hilux single cab worth E600,000. His company, established in 2017, specializes in pig breeding, raising, and processing for local retailers and butcheries across the country. Today, DJD Investments distributes over 80 pig carcasses weekly, employs 18 local youths, and champions sustainable farming practices through effective waste management.
Remarkably, this was Dlamini’s first-ever entry into the national competition. He revealed that he had always planned to enter the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards five to six years after founding his business, as a way to assess his growth and performance.
“From the very beginning, I had it in mind that one day I would enter this competition to gauge how far I had come,” Dlamini said after receiving the award. “Winning on my first attempt means a lot, it tells me I’m doing things right, and I’m very excited about that.”
He expressed deep appreciation to previous winners who encouraged him to participate, noting that their success stories encouraged him to step forward. Dlamini also urged EmaSwati, particularly the youth, to take up entrepreneurship as a means to fight unemployment.
“I encourage EmaSwati in all corners of the country to start businesses, especially in rural areas where they live, to reduce operational costs and create jobs for our people,” he said. “
King Impressed with EYA Growth
In his keynote address, His Majesty King Mswati III applauded the growing spirit of innovation among emaSwati entrepreneurs, noting that the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards had evolved from a modest gathering into a nationally significant event that celebrates Eswatini’s business excellence.
“This competition has grown remarkably over the years. I am confident that next year we will double the number of participants because of the competitive spirit we see here tonight,” His Majesty said.
He further commended the entrepreneurs for their determination and resilience, urging those who did not win not to give up: “Your potential has been seen, and your turn will come. Keep the spirit alive.”
The King also encouraged local businesspeople to aspire towards global competitiveness and wealth creation, calling for the birth of homegrown billionaires who will build industries from humble beginnings within the kingdom.
According to SEDCO CEO Mhlanga, the 19th edition of the EYA saw a record 412 applications, almost double last year’s 218, reflecting the expanding reach and credibility of the programme.
The national finalists represented the best from each region:
• Vusi Mnisi of Narrow Path Investments (Hhohho)
• Malibongwe Xaba of Ehome (Manzini)
• Ntokozo Simelane of Selina Auto Spares (Shiselweni)
• Duncan Dlamini of DJD Investments (Lubombo)
The event also honoured winners in other categories, including Outstanding Start-up, Outstanding Techno Savvy Business, Outstanding Agribusiness, Outstanding Business Owned by Person with Disability, Outstanding Handicraft Business, Outstanding Green Business, Outstanding Women-Owned Business, Outstanding Youth-Owned Business, and Outstanding Street Vendor, each receiving E45,000 in cash prizes.
We Remain Committed to Empowering Local Entrepreneurs – FNB
Delivering remarks on behalf of the title sponsor, FNB Eswatini CEO, Thokozani Dlamini, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs through continued support for the EYA initiative.
“We have enjoyed a fruitful 12-year partnership with EYA, and we believe that by continuing to support this initiative, we are advancing the government’s efforts to grow the SME sector, which is the bedrock of Eswatini’s economic growth,” he said.
He added that FNB Eswatini’s investment in entrepreneurship is guided by its strategic pillar of shared prosperity, which focuses on financial inclusion, wellbeing, climate change, and economic transformation.
Mhlanga emphasized that beyond the annual awards, SEDCO remains a dedicated partner to entrepreneurs by providing post-award support such as access to finance, market linkages, and business development services.
“The EYA is not just an event; it is the culmination of our mission to identify, celebrate, and nurture Eswatini’s most promising business talent. The presence of Their Majesties tonight is a clear message that entrepreneurship lies at the heart of our nation’s prosperity,” she said.
She also acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Trade for its policy leadership, and extended gratitude to all corporate partners and sponsors for their collective contribution toward empowering emaSwati entrepreneurs.
“The success we celebrate here creates a ripple effect,” Mhlanga concluded. “Every business that scales new heights creates more employment, fosters innovation, and strengthens our communities. The future of Eswatini is bright because of our entrepreneurs.”