Manzini– Manzini region has recorded the highest number of entries for the 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (EYA), cementing its position as Eswatini’s leading entrepreneurial hub.
Speaking during the Manzini regional awards ceremony at The George Hotel on Monday, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo revealed that the region received 101 applications, ahead of Lubombo’s 87 and Hhohho’s 81. He said 56of the Manzini entries were submitted by women-owned businesses, highlighting the growing role of women in entrepreneurship.
Khumalo said the high number of applications reflected the region’s strong entrepreneurial culture and the increasing participation of small businesses across different sectors of the economy.
He said Government remained committed to creating an enabling environment for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through the Citizen Economic Empowerment Act and the National MSME Policy 2024–2029.
The minister encouraged entrepreneurs to continue building competitive businesses and take advantage of government programs designed to help them formalize, expand and access new markets.
He said initiatives such as the Ingelo Certification Scheme would help local businesses improve their standards and unlock more business opportunities.
SEDCO Chief Executive Officer Khethiwe Mhlanga said Manzini’s performance in this year’s awards showed why it continues to be regarded as the country’s business hub.
He said the region recorded not only the highest number of applications but also the widest range of businesses, with entries coming from manufacturing, agriculture, retail, technology, construction, textiles, handicrafts and street vending.
“This demonstrates that entrepreneurship is thriving across different sectors of the economy,” he said. Dlamini added that many businesses that have participated in previous editions of the awards had grown into employers, creating jobs and contributing to economic growth.
He said SEDCO’s support goes beyond the prize money, with entrepreneurs also benefiting from business training, advisory services, incubation programs and market linkages to help them build sustainable enterprises.
The awards recognized entrepreneurs in 10 categories, including youth-owned businesses, women-owned businesses, agribusiness, innovation, technology, green business, handicrafts, businesses owned by persons with disabilities, street vendors and start-ups.
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