Manzini – The 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (EYA), Duncan Dlamini, of DJD Investments is looking to expand into an export-ready national abattoir that would allow local farmers to reach international markets.
He recently spoke where he publicly shared that he appreciated the FNB Eswatini’s supported him towards scooping the award.
Dlamini, who runs a piggery and butchery enterprise at Matsetsa in the Lubombo region, was announced as the EYA 2025 winner on 7 November in a ceremony graced by His Majesty King Mswati III.
In an interview, Dlamini lauded the bank for, among other things, assisting him replace his worn-out delivery bakkie which had already cost him more than E200 000 in repairs. As EYA 2025 winner, Dlamini walked away with a brand-new Toyota Hilux single cab worth E600 000, courtesy of FNB Eswatini.
“I will never forget Mrs Bhembe at FNB Lifestyle Manzini Branch. I came to FNB stressed and confused, with her assistance I managed to sort out my penalty and secured a brand-new truck through FNB Vehicle Finance. That truck changed everything. It improved our deliveries and FNB further helped us complete our waste management system,” he explains.
Dlamini has reaffirmed his commitment to sharing his success with his community. His model includes hiring local builders, sourcing services from community members and inspiring aspiring pig farmers through mentorship and exposure.
“We must be intentional about creating a local economy so that money circulates within our communities,” he says.
Looking forward, Dlamini says his dream is for Eswatini to build an export-ready national abattoir that would allow local farmers to reach international markets, similar to opportunities available in Mozambique. His vision for growth includes opening a second farm, introducing modern farming units and helping local pig farmers build a cohesive value chain, similar to the sugarcane farmer model.
“Entrepreneurs should use opportunities like EYA as evaluation tools,” he adds.
Meanwhile, FNB’s Executive Head of Commercial Banking Chantell Littler says the bank is committed to helping localentrepreneurs grow.
“Entrepreneurs are the heartbeat of our economy. This week, as we celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week, we are reminded that every great business starts with a single brave step. At FNB Eswatini, we are committed to walking that journey with entrepreneurs, helping them turn growth ideas into real businesses and challenges into opportunities. We remain committed to giving them the support and tools they need to expand, innovate and create lasting impact in our economy,” she says.
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