MBABANE – A new chapter for youth entrepreneurship in Eswatini was officially launched on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, when Cake Bakers Eswatini (CBE) and the Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund (YERF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at empowering aspiring bakers and strengthening small businesses across the country.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Cake Bakers Eswatini Training Manager, Sibusiso Mashwama, described the partnership as a timely intervention that will help bridge the gap between skills development and access to capital.
Mashwama explained that while many young people successfully complete baking training programmes, they often struggle to secure the financial resources needed to start or expand their businesses. As a result, many promising entrepreneurs are unable to fully realise their potential.
“As Cake Baking Eswatini, we are focused on empowering bakers to become successful business owners, not just skilled bakers,” he said. “This partnership comes at the right time because it provides our members with opportunities to develop their skills while also gaining access to financial support.”
The agreement will provide a range of benefits to members of Cake Bakers Eswatini, including access to funding through YERF, mentorship programmes, business development support, marketing opportunities, and recognition awards for outstanding bakers.
During the ceremony, YERF representatives highlighted the organisation’s renewed mission of investing in sustainable and profitable youth-led enterprises. They noted that the partnership creates a complete ecosystem for success by combining funding, professional training, and market access.
Officials said the revolving fund will be available to both start-up and established bakers seeking to grow their operations. In addition to baking skills, participants will receive training in business management, financial literacy, marketing, and customer service.
YERF further emphasized that successful beneficiaries who repay their loans will help create opportunities for future entrepreneurs, ensuring that the fund continues to support the next generation of business owners.
The partnership is expected to stimulate job creation, reduce youth unemployment, and promote entrepreneurship throughout the Kingdom. Organisers expressed confidence that the collaboration will help transform talented bakers into thriving entrepreneurs while contributing to Eswatini’s economic growth.
The signing of the MoU was hailed as more than just a formal agreement, but the beginning of a movement aimed at building a prosperous and sustainable future for young bakers across Eswatini.
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