By Phiwa Sikhondze
Last week Thursday Business Eswatini (BE) facilitated a maiden meeting between the Youth Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Embassy in Eswatini where the Youth Chamber was allowed to present their story about who they are and what they do, with the hope that they would explore possible avenues available with the U.S. Embassy.
BE, as the apex body representing the private sector in Eswatini, has long been at the forefront of initiatives that bolster the nation’s economic landscape and, in an era where youth entrepreneurship is increasingly recognized as a vital driver of economic growth and innovation, the business organization has taken a monumental step towards nurturing the potential of young entrepreneurs in the country.
During the meeting, the Youth Chamber of Commerce had the opportunity to present their mission and activities to representatives from the U.S. Embassy.
The Chamber, a dynamic organization and a member of BE has been instrumental in advocating for youth entrepreneurship and providing essential networking opportunities.
BE has placed great confidence in the Chamber’s ability to promote young entrepreneurs and contribute to the growth of Eswatini’s economy.
Recognizing the untapped potential within the Youth Chamber, BE orchestrated the meeting with the U.S. Embassy to explore potential avenues of collaboration.
Chris Wall, an Economic Officer at the U.S. Embassy, expressed his enthusiasm and admiration for the work being done by these young entrepreneurs. The interactive session provided valuable insights into the strategic direction of the Youth Chamber, fostering a deeper understanding between the parties.
The meeting also highlighted the potential resources available through the U.S. Embassy that could benefit the Youth Chamber’s network.
Notably, programs such as the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and the African Trade & Investment Activity were identified as valuable tools that could further enhance the growth and impact of youth-led enterprises in Eswatini.
BE CEO, E. Nathi Dlamini, expressed his gratitude to Chris Wall for promptly responding to the invitation and commended the Youth Chamber for their passion and commitment. He emphasized the importance of bringing informal business entities into the formal economy, where structured support can help them thrive.
The Youth Chamber’s President, Sakhile Nsibande, also extended his thanks to both the U.S. Embassy and BE for the platform to share their story.
Wall encouraged the Chamber to continue its efforts and expressed hope that this meeting would be the first of many, signaling the Embassy’s commitment to being involved in such vital discussions.