Africa-Press – Eswatini. FNB Eswatini will provide free business advice and support to local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) during the 2025 Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF), running from 29 August to 7 September at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre. The initiative aims to help SMEs thrive, access finance, and expand their market reach.
The bank, together with its subsidiary WesBank, recently announced a sponsorship package worth E430 000 for this year’s EITF. As part of the package, FNB will host two seminars on 5 September targeted at SMEs and agribusinesses.
The SME seminar, titled “Thriving in the Digital Age: Practical Tools and Strategies to Overcome SME Challenges,” will take place at the FNB Business Chamber, Pavilion 1. The agribusiness seminar, “Equipping Agribusinesses to Thrive in the Digital Age,” will be held at the EITF Seminar Hall. Both seminars are open to all SMEs across the Kingdom.
Chantell Littler, FNB’s Executive Head of Commercial Banking, said the seminars aim to address common challenges faced by local businesses and equip them with practical strategies to grow sustainably. “As we celebrate 30 years of serving Eswatini, we remain committed to supporting the Kingdom’s businesses. Sitintile Eswatini futsiasiyindzawo. These seminars will provide actionable strategies, access to finance, trade tools, and mentorship that will help businesses thrive,” she said.
Beyond the seminars, FNB will host daily free business clinics throughout the Trade Fair. Here, business owners can meet with professional FNB Relationship Managers for tailored advice and receive a free business toolkit. The toolkit includes templates for profit, loss, and balance sheets, cash flow projection tools, financial calculators, business plans, and guidance on credit access. “These clinics are practical, solution-driven sessions, not sales pitches. They aim to help businesses survive shocks, grow steadily, and contribute meaningfully to Eswatini’s economy,” Littler added.
In partnership with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, FNB will also provide free exhibition space to selected Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (EYA) 2025 Regional Finalists at the “EYA Square.” The initiative gives entrepreneurs exposure to larger markets and potential customers.
Dlalisile Matsebula, a handicraft entrepreneur from Manzini Market, showcased her products at the EYA Square in 2024 and praised the platform’s impact on her business. “It helped me a lot. I still work with customers I met there last year. The biggest benefit is exposure to many potential customers, even if you run out of stock, you can still share your information with them,” she said.
EITF 2025 promises to be a valuable platform for SMEs seeking knowledge, support, and market opportunities, with FNB leading efforts to strengthen Eswatini’s business sector.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
