Mbabane- The Small Enterprises Development Company (SEDCO) Managing Director, Khetsiwe Mhlanga, has hailed the growing strength of Eswatini’s entrepreneurial sector as the 19th Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (EYA) recorded its highest number of entries since inception.
Speaking at Entrepreneur of The Year Awards Gala Dinner held at Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre, Mhlanga revealed that this year’s edition received 412 applications, nearly double the 218 entries submitted last year, a milestone she described as “a powerful testament to the programme’s expanding reach and credibility.”
Mhlanga also hailed the continued support of the awards by His Majesty King Mswati III, which she said was encouraging to SEDCO to continue carrying out it’s mandate of promotion small enterprises in the country.
“The presence of Their Majesties is the highest possible endorsement of the entrepreneurial spirit we have gathered here to celebrate,” said Mhlanga. “It sends a clear message that the work of our entrepreneurs is vital and central to the kingdom’s prosperity.” continued Mhlanga
The MD also highlighted that for nearly two decades, the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards have served as a key initiative in SEDCO’s mission to develop and promote MSMEs across all four regions of the country. She commended the SEDCO team for ensuring that every aspiring entrepreneur from Nhlangano to Piggs Peak is reached and supported to participate on the awards.
She also underscored the agency’s role beyond the awards ceremony, noting that winners benefit from post-award support such as access to finance, business development services, and market linkages to help translate recognition into long-term growth.
“The EYA is more than an event; it’s a platform to identify, celebrate, and nurture our nation’s most promising business talent,” she said.
Mhlanga further extended gratitude to FNB Eswatini and the FNB Foundation, the event’s title sponsors, and to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade for their partnership and leadership in supporting the MSME sector.
Addressing this year’s finalists, Mhlanga said they are “innovators, job creators, and standard-bearers of Eswatini’s economic ambition.” She also encouraged the winners to serve as ambassadors for entrepreneurship, carrying forward the spirit of innovation that defines the awards.
“This is not the end, but a magnificent new beginning you now carry the torch as ambassadors for Eswatini entrepreneurship. Dream bigger and expand your impact.” said Mhlanga as she was encouraging the finalists and winners to wear the EYA recognition as badge of honor.
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