Mbabane – Emaswati are presented with the opportunity to harness their business ideas as the Raymond Ackerman Academy of Entrepreneurial Development Programme (RAA-ED) has now opened applications for a six-month full-time entrepreneurship training programme.
Hosted by the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Business School in partnership with the Raymond Ackerman Foundation, the programme is designed to equip youth with practical business knowledge, mentorship, and the skills needed to start or expand their own ventures. It is open to applicants aged 18 to 35 years residing in South Africa and SADC countries, including Eswatini.
Liswati alumnus and E50 000 winner of the programme, Siphiwo Lushaba, encourages Eswatini youth to participate in the programme. He urged more young people to apply so that the country continues to benefit from this initiative.
“Can we please have at least more than 30 Emaswati applying for this opportunity this week, and the same for next week until the deadline?” Lushaba remarked. “If more Emaswati seize the opportunity, this will give the Raymond Ackerman Foundation more reason to reserve space for Eswatini youth.”
He added that the programme offers many benefits, including access to training, mentorship, and exposure to regional entrepreneurship networks. Lushaba believes that increased participation from Eswatini will help empower more young entrepreneurs and strengthen the country’s representation in regional development programmes.
“This programme has so many benefits,” he said. “It can transform how young people in Eswatini think about entrepreneurship and open doors to real business growth.”
Applicants must have a business idea or already be running a start-up.
Applications for the next intake close on 5 December 2025, and interested candidates can apply online via the link https://forms.gle/rBAgUaWZpauFFvnRA.
Further enquiries can be directed to adminraa@uj.ac.za or by calling +27 11 559 5583.
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