Africa-Press – Eswatini. The third edition of the Umliba Youth Entrepreneurship Conference brought powerful energy, inspiration, and real solutions to young people across Eswatini as it unfolded at the University of Eswatini on 19 November 2025.
The event, hosted by the Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund (YERF) in partnership with the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP), formed part of the global celebrations of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW).
This year’s theme, “Together We Build: Unlocking New Business Opportunities and Access to Finance,” shaped a lively and highly engaging programme where government leaders, industry experts, financial institutions, innovators, exhibitors, and hundreds of youth entrepreneurs gathered with one goal: to open pathways for meaningful economic participation.
Welcoming the audience, YERF Chief Executive Officer Mandla Nkambule described the conference as a turning point for youth development in the country. He emphasized the need to dismantle long-standing barriers that restrict young people from accessing funding.
“Too many promising youth-led businesses fall into the ‘missing middle,’” Nkambule said. “They are too big for microfinance yet too small or risky for commercial banks. Today, we are here to change that. We are here to build an ecosystem that supports young people with tailored financial products, flexible repayment structures, and real investment opportunities. If we empower our youth, we unlock Eswatini’s future.”
Nkambule also encouraged the youth to explore emerging sectors such as renewable energy, waste management, and the circular economy, noting that these areas align with national development priorities and global sustainability goals.
Echoing this sentiment, Andreas Dlamini, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of ICT, highlighted how digital transformation is reshaping opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
“We are witnessing a generation of young people who are not just using technology—they are shaping it,” Dlamini said. “From mobile app development to online businesses and global service delivery, young EmaSwati are proving that innovation can thrive anywhere. Government continues to expand digital infrastructure, free Wi-Fi access points, and digital literacy programmes to ensure no young person is left behind.”
He added that collaborative platforms like the Umliba Conference are exactly what the country needs to accelerate inclusive digital and economic progress.
“When we say Together We Build, we mean that government, industry, academia, and youth must work hand-in-hand. Only through partnership can we unlock the innovative spirit and entrepreneurial power of Eswatini’s young people.”
The event embraced an informal, interactive approach where participants held open discussions with panelists, financial institutions, and development partners. Six dynamic panel sessions tackled issues ranging from access to finance, youth empowerment, and sustainable business development to opportunities in renewable energy and digital innovation. Exhibitors showcased groundbreaking projects, from tech solutions to green enterprises, demonstrating the evolving landscape of youth-led innovation.
Speakers emphasized that young people remain ambitious despite high unemployment and the increasing demand for specialized digital and technical skills. The conference therefore encouraged youth to embrace 21st-century learning, creativity, and resilience as tools for navigating a rapidly changing job market.
As the event drew to a close, organizers expressed deep appreciation to sponsors, partners, exhibitors, media houses, and all young entrepreneurs who participated. The day ended on a hopeful note: that with coordinated support, accessible finance, and strong innovation ecosystems, Eswatini’s youth can lead the nation toward a more sustainable, inclusive, and technologically advanced future.
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