Two young entrepreneurs from Eswatini have turned their small ventures into fast-growing businesses after receiving seed funding and support from a joint programme run by the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Sandile Mavuso and Duncan Dlamini were among the first batch of young innovators who responded to a call for applications in 2017. Since then, both have built companies that are creating jobs, supplying major retailers, and expanding into regional markets.
The youth enterprise programme was created to combat high youth unemployment in Eswatini, which affects more than half of people aged 15–35. So far, it has supported 29 youth-led startups through incubation services at RSTP and flexible funding through UNDP’s Funding Windows.
From home brewing to factory production
Mavuso, founder of Sibongile Beverages, began brewing kombucha in his kitchen. Today, he runs a beverage factory at Matsapha Industrial Site in the Manzini Region, employing seven people. He used the E135,000 grant he received to purchase brewing equipment and expand his product range.
His drinks now include six kombucha flavours, three iced teas, three water kefirs, and three vitamin waters. A protein shake is also scheduled for release by the end of June 2025.
Mavuso also received a E100,000 loan from the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs’ Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund to grow his operations further. His product has since appeared on the shelves of OK Foods, a major milestone in his journey.
His participation in the 2024 Taipei International Food Show with support from the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority attracted attention from international buyers. He is also among the first 20 MSMEs to benefit from the Ingelo Local Certification Scheme, which aims to increase market access for local producers.
Pork production on the rise in Matsetsa
In the Lubombo Region, Dlamini is running DJD Investments, a piggery business that has grown from 10 to 28 farrowing crates after receiving E270,000 in funding. His farm now employs 18 full-time and six part-time workers, supplying pork to major retailers such as Boxer and OK Foods.
The business, based in Matsetsa, still struggles to meet growing demand. Dlamini secured a E2.86 million loan from Eswatini Bank to build a borehole, perimeter fencing, and other facilities.
International partners take interest
On May 23, Mavuso and Dlamini hosted a visiting delegation led by UNDP Resident Representative Henrik Franklin, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Caitlin Piper, German Embassy Liaison Officer Liesel Töpfer, and Acting RSTP CEO Nomvula Gulwako.
The delegation praised the entrepreneurs for creating jobs and contributing to Eswatini’s economy. UNDP and its funding partners — including the United States and Germany — continue to support programmes that equip young emaSwati with capital, mentorship and access to markets.
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