The Kingdom of Eswatini’s most celebrated business competition, the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (EYA) 2025, has received a resounding vote of confidence from the private sector, with sponsors pledging over E1.8 million to support the 19th edition of the competition.
The pledges were unveiled at the official launch of the EYA 2025, held at the Happy Valley Hotel on Wednesday, marking a significant step towards entrepreneurship development in the country.
FNB Eswatini took the centre stage as the title sponsor, contributing E1.7 million, underscoring its continued leadership in fostering innovation and MSME growth across the Kingdom.
This support will cover the grand prize for the national winner, as well as prize monies for both national and regional winners. In addition, FNB will sponsor seven categories, namely: Youth-Owned, Women-Owned, Most Innovative, Techno-Savvy, Green Business, Agribusiness, and Overall Regional Winner.
Speaking at the launch, FNB Eswatini CEO Thokozani “TK” Dlamini described the EYA as a vital platform that amplifies Eswatini’s entrepreneurial spirit across all four regions.
“These awards dare entrepreneurs in Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini, and Shiselweni to dream. They push our entrepreneurs to innovate, scale, and develop solutions that meet the ever-changing needs of our people,” he said.
Dlamini also emphasised that entrepreneurship is key to Eswatini’s economic growth and should not be left to big business alone.
“This is why we value this partnership, which allows us to directly support local businesses, most of whom are SMEs. These are the businesses we believe need the strongest support from all of us to grow and become the engines and foundation upon which our economy will blossom.”
Dlamini also highlighted FNB’s broader entrepreneurship support, including partnerships with organisations such as Junior Achievement Eswatini.
“With us today are Sabelwesihle Dlamini and Andile Vilakati, two of 14 pupils we are mentoring through a job-shadowing programme. I hope that one day we will be celebrating their victory at the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards,” he said.
Reflecting on EYA’s trajectory, the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, lauded the private sector’s unwavering support.
“Your support is invaluable and deeply appreciated. More organisations are invited to take this opportunity to partner with this growing brand and support MSME development in the Kingdom of Eswatini.”
The Minister highlighted the growing impact of the programme, which now includes cash prizes at regional levels and promotional material support, such as business cards for winners. Last year’s national gala, graced by His Majesty King Mswati III, was hailed as a powerful moment of recognition and inspiration.
“During his keynote address, His Majesty called for the first E1 billion MSME business to emerge in the Kingdom, reiterating the government’s commitment to make business services accessible in all Tinkhundla through SEDCO,” said the Minister.
In her remarks, SEDCO CEO Khethiwe Mhlanga reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs in all four regions, thanking all sponsors for making the event a national movement.
“FNB’s contribution is not just financial. It is transformational. It enables us to provide life-changing opportunities to entrepreneurs, creating visible impact across various sectors,” he said.
The CEO emphasised that since its inception, EYA has recognised over 40 entrepreneurs annually and helped them connect with decision-makers, partners, and corporate executives. The programme also benefits from increased accessibility, with online entry forms now mobile-friendly and available across SEDCO digital platforms.
With the Citizen Economic Empowerment Act (CEEA) of 2024, the National Handicraft Sector Policy, and the AfCFTA National Implementation Strategy all recently launched, the policy environment is more conducive than ever for MSME growth.
“By sponsoring EYA, these companies are not just gaining brand visibility,” the CEO added, “they are making a national statement: that Eswatini’s economic future is entrepreneurial.”
As the call for entries opens, entrepreneurs across Eswatini—from agriculture to ICT—are urged to submit their applications and take advantage of the vast opportunities EYA 2025 offers.
As per tradition, the competition will culminate in a national gala expected to be officiated once again by His Majesty.