Ezulwini – Sifiso “Daladi” Dlamini, director of Plant Co and organiser of the Eswatini SME Business Expo 2025, has outlined the activities scheduled for the event, which will be held on Saturday, 2 August at Plant Co in Ezulwini.
Daladi shared that the initiative started as a simple buying group on WhatsApp, where local entrepreneurs came together to support one another’s businesses. In response to ongoing concerns about limited Swazi participation in the national economy, the group gradually transformed into the Swatini Business Collaboration Hub, a platform aimed at encouraging collaboration, shared learning, and stronger economic inclusion.
“We started as a buying group, just trying to support each other’s businesses,” Daladi said. “Now we’re taking the next step, from a chat group to a real, connected business community.”
The expo will feature exhibition stands for SMEs to showcase and sell their products and services. It will also include interactive sessions with banks and financial institutions, offering attendees a chance to understand how to improve their access to funding and what might be hindering them.
“We want to have honest conversations with the banks about why many of us struggle to access finance,” Daladi explained. “It’s time we hear from them and find ways forward.”
A key goal of the event is to encourage face-to-face networking and practical collaboration. Daladi emphasized the need for entrepreneurs to know who does what, where they are based, and how they can support one another beyond online interactions.
Entry to the event is free, and all are welcome to attend. Stalls are available for E200 to help cover logistical costs. Daladi encouraged entrepreneurs to bring along what they’re selling and take full advantage of this opportunity to build connections and grow their businesses.
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