Mbabane – The application window for the Eswatini National Youth Council’s (ENYC) micro agribusiness grant has officially closed, with more than 700 young people showing interest in the initiative.
The micro agribusiness grant is a government-backed programme designed to empower young people with farming ideas or existing agricultural businesses. It offers grants of up to E10,000 to help youth start, grow, and sustain agribusiness ventures.
The programme targets young people aged 18 to 35 years, including youth with disabilities, and is open to both startups and existing agribusinesses. Support under the grant includes small-scale farming tools and equipment, as well as inputs for vegetables, field crops, and livestock production.
Following the closure of the application period which elapsed yesterday (27 October), the Selection Committee, comprising representatives from the ENYC, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund has begun reviewing submissions to identify deserving applicants.
ENYC Communications Officer Sibongakonkhe Mamba, speaking on EBIS’s Letishisako programme, said the large number of applications reflected young people’s growing enthusiasm for agribusiness and their determination to reduce unemployment.
“The huge turnout shows that young people are dedicated to eradicating unemployment in the country,” Mamba said.
She added that the council was encouraged by the inclusion of applicants living with disabilities, describing the interest as a positive step toward inclusivity in youth development programmes.
Mamba explained that the selection process would focus on the viability of each proposal and its potential to create employment opportunities for other young people.
“Those who are successful will not only receive funding but also benefit from mentorship and capacity-building programmes,” she said. “We will ensure they have the skills to access additional funding, link them to markets, and provide training on business management.”
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