Africa-Press – Eswatini. The future of Eswatini’s entrepreneurship shone bright at the Metropolitan Church Auditorium in Manzini, Fairview, where Junior Achievement (JA) Eswatini awarded five young innovators with seed capital through its flagship Business Shower initiative.
This year’s winners were announced as My Coils, producers of natural hair products; UlaMgangela Creations, known for handmade crafts; LongMaster Investment, specialising in sweet treats; SK Grills, a mobile restaurant; and Resilient Mafus’ Farming, a sustainable farming venture.
Presenting the awards, SME Director and JA Board Chairperson, Mluleki Dlamini, reminded the winners that seed capital was not a handout but a responsibility.
“Resilience and creativity are key in business,” he said, urging the youth to remain competitive and innovative as they grow their enterprises.
The 2025 Business Shower was officially launched by the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Mancoba Khumalo, who commended JA Eswatini for consistently nurturing young talent. He encouraged the youth to “seize every opportunity given to them and use it to grow.”
Adding to this, FINCORP Group Managing Director, Dumsani Msibi, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to grooming the country’s future business leaders.
“This programme gives young entrepreneurs the confidence and capital to take their businesses forward. We remain committed to this journey,” he said.
The ceremony was not only about celebrating winners but also about sharing knowledge.
The JA Youth Business Master Class kept participants engaged with interactive sessions. The Eswatini National Youth Council spoke on mindset change, FINCORP unpacked financial planning and risk assessment, Old Mutual Eswatini highlighted investment opportunities in unit trusts, while the Innovators Association of Eswatini (IAE) explored the role of artificial intelligence in entrepreneurship.
UNFPA Eswatini rounded off the day with a session on adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH), showing how holistic empowerment supports sustainable success.
Dlamini further reassured those who did not win that their journey was far from over, saying JA was engaging more partners to ensure wider access to seed capital. Inspiring testimonies from past Business Shower beneficiaries also encouraged the youth not to give up.
With partners including FINCORP, UNFPA, ENYC, and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, this year’s programme reaffirmed JA Eswatini’s role as a launchpad for tomorrow’s business leaders.
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