Africa-Press – Eswatini. Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla has praised the Women’s Start-up Microfinance Revolving Fund for empowering over 600 women across Eswatini and significantly advancing inclusive economic development.
Speaking during the presentation of the fund’s achievements at Sibane Sami Hotel, Dladla said the initiative had restored dignity and created lasting change for many women, particularly in rural communities.
She thanked the Republic of China (Taiwan) for supporting the fund, describing it as a symbol of hope and progress.
“This fund is not merely a financial instrument,” she said. “It is a transformative force that enables women to rewrite their stories, build sustainable businesses, and secure brighter futures for their families.”
The fund, launched through a US$1 million donation by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen to Her Majesty the Queen Mother, has enabled women in all four regions of Eswatini to access capital and create income-generating opportunities. The project is coordinated through the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office and targets vulnerable women who lack access to formal banking services.
“Women who once struggled to make ends meet are now proud business owners,” Dladla stated. “Mothers who could not afford school fees are now giving their children a real chance at success. This initiative reflects Her Majesty’s vision of inclusive development.”
In a significant development, Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Lin Chia-lung, also addressed the gathering, expressing his happiness at the impact of the revolving fund and announced that Taiwan had injected an additional E9.4 million into the fund. This new contribution aims to further support women entrepreneurs across Eswatini.
“We are happy to see so many women in Eswatini benefiting from the fund,” said Dr. Lin. “We will continue to increase our support to help even more women-led businesses thrive.”
Dr. Lin’s remarks were followed by a heartwarming moment as he met with a proud mother, Nomfundo Mabuza, who named her baby “Taiwan” in gratitude for the life-changing support she received through a Taiwan-backed agricultural loan. The special meeting underscored the real-life impact the fund has had on families and communities.
The revolving nature of the fund ensures that once loans are repaid, the capital is reissued to new beneficiaries, creating a sustainable cycle of empowerment. Many recipients have used the loans to start businesses such as poultry farming, vegetable production, tailoring, and small retail operations.
The fund is executed by the Taiwan Technical Mission in Eswatini, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Co-operative College of Eswatini (ECODEC), and the Small Enterprises Development Company (SEDCO). Over the years, it has assisted over 500 women entrepreneurs, with the latest infusion of funds set to assist many more women across the country.
The event attracted senior government officials, Taiwanese delegates, development partners, and beneficiaries, many of whom shared testimonies of personal growth, economic independence, and community impact.
Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo described the fund as a game-changer in the country’s efforts to support women-led businesses.
“This fund is more than just financial assistance,” he said. “It is a promise that dreams will be nurtured and that women will take their rightful place at the forefront of economic progress.”
Khumalo also highlighted the broader role of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector in Eswatini’s development strategy.
“According to the Central Bank of Eswatini, the MSME sector could contribute up to 30 percent of GDP and create more than 20,000 jobs. Women entrepreneurs are essential to achieving this goal,” he said.
Deputy Prime Minister Dladla concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to scaling up the initiative and supporting similar programmes that empower citizens at grassroots level.
“This partnership with Taiwan reminds us of what is possible when we come together to uplift our people,” she said. “We will continue to prioritise initiatives that place people, especially women, at the heart of development.”
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