Ezulwini – FNB Eswatini has increased its sponsorship of the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (EYA) to E2 million and announced the revival of an interest-free loan programme offering up to E50 000 to youth-owned businesses and start-ups, as the bank steps up efforts to support entrepreneurship and job creation.
FNB Eswatini Chief Executive Officer Thokozani ‘TK’ Dlamini announced the initiatives during the 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards gala dinner at the Palazzo International Convention Centre in Ezulwini on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
The ceremony was attended by His Majesty King Mswati III, entrepreneurs, government officials, captains of industry and other dignitaries.
Dlamini said the increased sponsorship by FNB Eswatini and the FNB Eswatini Foundation followed a commitment made at last year’s awards to continue supporting the programme. The enhanced package also introduced the FNB SME Growth Forums, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade and the Small Enterprises Development Company (SEDCO).
The forums were designed to give small and medium enterprises (SMEs) an opportunity to identify their challenges directly, allowing the bank to develop lending solutions, advisory services and products that respond to their needs.
Addressing His Majesty, Dlamini said the forums drew inspiration from Sibaya, where open engagement and dialogue bring people together to develop solutions. He said the discussions had enabled FNB to return to the drawing board and consider practical interventions for businesses at different stages of growth.
In a further intervention targeting young entrepreneurs, Dlamini announced that the FNB Eswatini Foundation was reviving its Khutsala Employment Activation Programme (KEAP).
The programme is designed to support youth-owned SMEs and start-ups across all sectors by providing interest-free loans of up to E50 000. Dlamini said the initiative was intended to help young emaSwati establish and grow sustainable businesses that could contribute to the country’s long-term economic growth.
“Help must be practical,” Dlamini said, emphasising the need for emaSwati to access support easily and experience its impact on their lives.
He reaffirmed FNB Eswatini’s commitment to working with Government, entrepreneurs and other partners to invest in sustainable economic growth, saying the bank’s approach was underpinned by its Shared Prosperity agenda.
Meanwhile, the awards celebrated the achievements of local entrepreneurs, with Wandile Dlamini of Notsa Eswatini Traditional Attire crowned the 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year.
Dlamini received the overall award and a brand-new single-cab Toyota Hilux valued at more than E500 000. His business promotes Eswatini’s traditional attire, highlighting the role of cultural heritage in local enterprise.
The recognition placed Notsa Eswatini Traditional Attire among the businesses celebrated for their entrepreneurial achievements at the annual awards, which seek to recognise outstanding enterprise in the country.
The ceremony brought together business leaders and public officials to celebrate entrepreneurship and highlight the importance of supporting enterprises that can contribute to economic activity and employment.
FNB Eswatini said it would continue working with Government and other partners to provide practical support for businesses, with the aim of helping SMEs grow and contribute to Eswatini’s prosperity.
Discussion about this post