Nhlangano – More than 350 small and medium enterprise (SME) owners across Eswatini participated in the inaugural FNB SME Growth Forums, which concluded in the Shiselweni Region on Monday.
The final forum, held at Phumula Guest House, attracted more than 90 entrepreneurs and brought to a close a nationwide series held through FNB Eswatini’s partnership with the Small Enterprises Development Corporation (SEDCO) under the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards programme.
The forums provided business owners with a platform to discuss the realities of operating in the current economic environment, exchange experiences and engage with institutions that provide financial, business development and regulatory support.
FNB Eswatini SME Lead Nombuso Mndzebele said the engagements focused on listening to entrepreneurs and understanding the practical challenges they faced.
“The SME Growth Forums were not about delivering presentations. They were about listening to entrepreneurs, understanding the challenges they face daily and creating opportunities for meaningful engagement,” she said.
“We wanted business owners to leave each forum feeling informed, better connected and more confident about the opportunities available to them to expand their operations.”
Entrepreneurs welcomed the opportunity to engage directly with representatives from FNB, SEDCO and the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS), saying access to decision-makers and technical experts helped them better understand business processes and requirements.
Phumaphi Dlamini, an SME owner from Ezindwendweni, said FNB had assisted her with financing to connect water to her home, allowing her to begin a farming project.
“The staff is always willing to listen and give you support. The bank assisted with finance to get water connected to my home so I could start working on my farming project,” she said.
Businesswoman Betty Mkhonta welcomed the bank’s automated Scored Lending Facility, particularly because it did not require traditional collateral.
She said the facility showed that the bank was responsive to the needs of its SME customers.
The forum’s keynote speaker, Samkelo Dube, Director of Dubakazana Investments, said FNB financing had enabled his forestry business to purchase a truck and a vehicle.
“I have been able to purchase a truck and car for the business, and I am very grateful for that,” said Dube.
However, he said the E1.5 million limit offered through the Scored Lending Facility might not be sufficient for businesses operating in sectors with high costs.
FNB representatives clarified that the E1.5 million limit applied only to the automated Scored Lending Facility and that businesses meeting the bank’s lending requirements could access financing above that amount through other lending options.
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