Africa-Press – Eswatini. An amount of E5 million is available as financial capital to help them start businesses.
This was said by Mbabane East Member of Parliament Hon. Welcome Dlamini, who urged young people to seize such opportunities provided by government funding.
MP Welcome said this funding is available through the Regional Development Fund (RDF) to help the youth start and grow their own businesses.
Speaking during the Mbabane East Youth Trade Expo held at Prince of Wales on Saturday, December 13, 2025, the Mbabane East legislator described the expo as a timely and practical platform for youth empowerment and job creation.
“This expo is a good start, and next year the Inkhundla will fully support it,” said MP Welcome. “I want young people to understand that the Regional Development Fund is there for them. There are millions waiting to be accessed, but they must take the initiative, apply, and turn their ideas into sustainable businesses” he added.
The Regional Development Fund (RDF) is a government funding facility established to support community members, particularly youth and small-scale entrepreneurs, with capital to start or expand income-generating projects. The fund is accessed through Inkhundla centres and is aimed at reducing unemployment, stimulating local economic activity, and improving livelihoods at community level.
The Mbabane East assemblyman emphasised that RDF is designed to empower ordinary citizens, adding that young people should seek guidance from Inkhundla offices to understand application requirements and project expectations.
His remarks were echoed by Mbabane East Indvuna Yenkhundla Phindile Maziya, who also encouraged youth to make use of the RDF and services offered at the Inkhundla centre.
“Youth must come to the Inkhundla centre and seek information,” said Maziya. “There is free Wi-Fi and support services available to help them with applications and business development. These opportunities are meant to uplift them.”
Youth Chamber Chairperson Mzwandile Nxumalo challenged young people to think independently and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economy.
“Young people must not simply follow the crowd,” said Nxumalo. “They must be bold, think for themselves, and play an active role in growing Eswatini’s economy.”
Adding a motivational voice to the event, Liswati actor Nqaba Tsela, popularly known by his stage name Vacu from the TV drama Isitha: The Enemy, encouraged youth to use their talents to earn a living.
“Everyone has a God-given talent,” said Tsela. “If you nurture it and work hard, it can open doors and put food on the table.”
After the official programme, Hon. Welcome, together with Indvuna Yenkhundla Phindile Maziya, Youth Chamber Chairperson Mzwandile Nxumalo, and Mbabane East Youth Chairperson Edwin Forbes, toured exhibition stalls, engaging directly with young entrepreneurs and learning about their businesses.
The Member of Parliament further promised that the Mbabane East Youth Trade Expo would be held annually, with full support from the Inkhundla, as part of ongoing efforts to empower youth and stimulate local economic growth.
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