Youth entrepreneurs receive business support in Eswatini and Namibia

In Eswatini, fifty-four young entrepreneurs from the Shiselweni region completed a four-week business incubation programme. The initiative, organized by the Small Enterprises Development Company (SEDCO) in collaboration with the Eswatini National Youth Council and the Youth Enterprise Fund, provided training in business plan development, financial literacy, digital marketing, and pitching skills.

During a ceremony at Nhlangano REO Hall, five top-performing participants were awarded a share of E42,000 in seed capital grants to scale their enterprises. SEDCO representatives emphasized that funding must be accompanied by mentorship and structured guidance to ensure long-term business viability.

In Namibia, the Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) in the Khomas region launched the Micro Vendor Support Programme. The initiative aims to assist young entrepreneurs, such as street food vendors, by providing practical support and resources to help small-scale operations become sustainable businesses and combat youth unemployment.