By Fezile Mkhatshwa
In a two-day workshop, Women In Trade And Development (WITAD), in collaboration with MTN Foundation, Eswatini Revenue services (ERS) and Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund (YERF) has equipped more than 40 entrepreneurs with essential digital marketing and business strategy development skills.
The workshop was held at the Manzini National Library, attracting a diverse group of entrepreneurs eager to expand their online presence and equip themselves with the knowledge and tools necessary to thrive in today’s increasingly digital marketplace.
The first day of the workshop, facilitated by WITAD’s Programs officer, Arossa Ali, featured practical sessions on a range of topics, including free and easy to create websites for businesses, social media marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), content creation, and online advertising. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises, allowing them to apply the concepts they learned to their own businesses and products.
Founder of WITAD, Sebenzile Dlamini, expressed her satisfaction with the event’s success, emphasizing their commitment to supporting the growth of small businesses in Eswatini.
“Our goal as WITAD is to empower entrepreneurs with the skills they need to succeed in the digital age. We are delighted to see the enthusiasm and engagement of the participants, and we look forward to hosting similar workshops in the future,” she said.
A highlight of the workshop on the second day was the participation of guest lecturers from the YERF and the ERS. YERF representatives provided insights into accessing funding opportunities for youth-led businesses. They explained the application process, eligibility criteria, and the types of support available to help entrepreneurs grow their ventures.
Participants were particularly keen on understanding how digital marketing strategies could strengthen their funding applications and attract investors.
The ERS, which was represented by the Commissioner General, Brightwell Nkambule, accompanied by his team of educators, focused on tax compliance for physical and online businesses. They clarified the relevant regulations, explained how to declare earnings, and emphasized the importance of financial responsibility for sustainable business growth. The session helped to demystify the tax process and provided practical guidance to ensure compliance.
Temahlanti Lukhele, a business owner specializing in broiler production, said the workshop introduced her to new concepts such as SEO, which she had never encountered before. She noted that while she currently lacks the right equipment, such as a quality camera phone, she now recognizes the importance of investing in digital tools to support her business growth.
“This workshop was incredibly eyeopening, I’ve learned so much about how to use social media to promote my chickens and reach new customers. The presentations from the youth fund were also very helpful, giving me a better understanding of how to access funding and manage my finances, as I used to see it as a tedious process,” she said.
Similarly, Mary Jabulile Dlamini, a sewing business owner, admitted she had never considered digital marketing before but now sees its potential.
“I didn’t consider using digital marketing before because I always had a customer base or large orders, but this workshop has given me an idea of how I can use these tools to document my work and increase trust of its quality. I’m excited to start using these techniques to grow my business and reach even more clients,” she said.
The two-day workshop was a part of a larger effort by WITAD to foster economic growth and create opportunities for women and youth entrepreneurs in Eswatini. The event underscored the critical role of digital marketing in driving business success and highlighting the need for a willingness to learn continuously. The skills and insights gained by participants are expected to have a positive impact on their businesses, contributing to the overall economic development of Eswatini.