Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Youth Enterprise Fund (YEF) is setting its sights high, not just wanting Eswatini’s young people to start surviving businesses, but to groom disciplined entrepreneurs ready to build billion-emalangeni enterprises that can truly reshape the nation’s economy.
Youth Fund CEO Mandla Nkambule said during the recognition of 12 youth in the Shiselweni region for their exemplary loan repayment compliance
Nkambule emphasized that the Fund is deliberately using loan repayment discipline as a critical gateway to long-term wealth. He noted that beneficiaries who show responsibility are being strategically positioned for opportunities far exceeding YEF’s initial support.
“Our goal is to see youth entrepreneurs grow into serious business leaders, even billionaires. That journey starts with discipline, especially the discipline to honour financial commitments,” Nkambule said.
He further clarified that YEF does not drop their beneficiaries when they reach the age limit of 35. Instead, those with impeccable repayment records who are looking to expand are intentionally transitioned to other trusted funding partners to secure much larger capital. One such beneficiary, Phiwayinkhosi Mabuza, who received the Fund’s support just 11 months before turning 36 to open his grocery shop, was reassured that he still stands a chance to expand his business through these external partners.
“For beneficiaries who are above 35 years or who have fully settled their loans, we do not close doors. We transfer them to institutions such as IDCE, FINCORP, ENIDC, commercial banks, and venture capital partners, provided their repayment record is clean,” he explained.
Nkambule firmly stressed that this strategic approach guarantees continuity of growth, enabling youth-founded businesses to scale up without interruption while simultaneously safeguarding the sustainability of the Fund.
“Good repayment behaviour becomes your passport. It opens access to bigger funding, stronger partnerships, and long term growth opportunities,” he highlighted.
He concluded that recognizing disciplined payers is essential to reinforcing a culture where Eswatini’s youth grasp that financial responsibility is directly tied to both their personal wealth creation and national development.
“When youth succeed and grow their businesses responsibly, the whole country benefits. That is how youth empowerment drives national progress,” Nkambule stated.
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