By 
by Ncaba Ntshakala
During the 18th edition of the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (EYA) Gala dinner, held recently at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre, His Majesty King Mswati III made a call to local entrepreneurs, urging them to capitalize on opportunities that extend beyond the nation’s borders.
The King emphasized the importance of positioning themselves strategically to access regional and global markets, which he said is a crucial step in driving the country’s economic growth.
In his address, the King highlighted the significance of tapping into various economic blocs, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“We wish to urge you tonight to seize the vast opportunities that lie beyond our borders by making sure that you position yourselves strategically in accessing the regional and global markets open to you,” he stated, emphasizing the groundbreaking potential of AfCFTA in particular.
The King described AfCFTA as a bold step towards creating a unified continental market for goods and services, with free movement of businesspersons and investments across member states. For Eswatini’s entrepreneurs, this initiative presents unprecedented opportunities to expand their reach, tap into larger markets, and connect with millions of potential customers across Africa.
“By leveraging this expansive market, you can significantly increase your customer base, diversify your revenue streams, and reduce your dependence on local markets,” the King said, as he highlighted the importance of adapting to these opportunities.
When reminiscing on his recent visit to the Republic of Türkiye, His Majesty shared a success story that expresses the potential of Eswatini’s products on the global stage. Handcrafted products from Eswatini, produced predominantly by women from grassroots areas, including those living with disabilities, were warmly received by the President of the African Culture House.
This interest in sourcing more products from Eswatini in the future signals a growing demand for the country’s unique offerings. The King encouraged entrepreneurs to embrace such opportunities, reminding them that the world is eager for Eswatini’s products.
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However, the King also cautioned that to fully capitalize on these prospects, entrepreneurs must equip themselves with the necessary skills, tools, and knowledge. He called upon partners and stakeholders to provide essential support toentrepreneurs as they navigate this new terrain.
Again, the King also stressed the critical importance of building a digital economy in Eswatini. “As we look ahead, one thing is clear: building on a digital economy is no longer just an option, but it is an undeniable necessity,” he asserted. His Majesty highlighted the need to expedite e-commerce reforms, invest in digital infrastructure, and scale up international support to fully realize the potential of the digital economy.
This, he noted, is not just about keeping pace with global developments but about ensuring that Eswatini is not left behind in the digital revolution.
Nonetheless, His Majesty acknowledged the challenges that come with these opportunities, including cybersecurity threats, data privacy concerns, and the potential for job displacement.
He urged for these challenges to be addressed head-on to ensure that Eswatini’s digital economy is not only prosperous but also secure, inclusive, and sustainable.
The EYA competition is hosted by the Small Enterprises Development Company (SEDCO) and supported by First National Bank and other sponsors. The competition serves as a platform to recognize and reward business excellence in Eswatini.
This initiative aims to cultivate an entrepreneurial culture in the country by uncovering exceptional businesses that demonstrate solid leadership, comply with business regulations, contribute meaningfully to society, and achieve significant success in turning ideas into thriving enterprises.
This year, Datamatics Swaziland, owned by Sibusiso Baartjies, emerged as the overall winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year 2024. His Majesty King Mswati III crowned Baartjies, whose company walked away with a brand new GD6 Single Cab worth E600,000, among other prizes.
Government praises King’s vision for a developed Eswatini
The Government of Eswatini has expressed its deep gratitude for His Majesty King Mswati III’s visionary leadership in steering the nation toward becoming a developed country. This sentiment was articulated by Prime Minister Russell Dlamini during the 18th edition of the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (EYA).
When addressing the audience, the Prime Minister emphasized the pivotal role that Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play in realizing the King’s vision for Eswatini’s development. “MSMEs have a significant role to play to ensure that this vision becomes a reality,” Dlamini stated.
“We recognize the role that you continue to play, Your Majesty, to ensure that the business environment in the country is conducive, through leadership, a stable socio-political atmosphere, enabling legislations, and economic diversification.”
The Premier highlighted the importance of the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards as a platform that celebrates the achievements of individuals who exemplify innovation, determination, and leadership. “The award honours an individual who embodies the spirit of innovation, determination, and leadership,” Dlamini explained. “It recognizes someone who has overcome challenges, seized opportunities and made a lasting impact in their industry.”
He further expressed the government’s commitment to supporting MSMEs, acknowledging their status as key drivers of economic growth and major employers in the country.
“This competition is one of the conduits through which Your Government, in partnership with the private sector, recognizes the contribution of MSMEs to the country’s economy. There is no doubt, Your Majesty, that MSMEs are engines of economic growth as they are one of the largest employers in the country. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of our economy. They take risks, push boundaries, and inspire those around them.”
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Dlamini also expressed concern over the sustainability of MSMEs, noting that some entrepreneurs face challenges that lead to the closure of their businesses over time. “It is, however, concerning to note that some of these entrepreneurs close down their businesses in the long run, something that challenges us, as your government, to pay closer attention,” the Premier stated.
“MSMEs should be supported to grow to sustainable levels to make a meaningful impact in the economy. Your Majesty, we are alive to the challenges faced by most growing enterprises, and I am sure these can be overcome, by working together with relevant stakeholders.”
Moreover, the Prime Minister celebrated the resilience and agility of this year’s award recipients, who have not only succeeded domestically but have also made their mark on global markets.
“Tonight, we are gathered to celebrate men and women who stand as a testament of resilience and agility in entrepreneurship. These have beaten all odds and have demonstrated their strength to venture and conquer the domestic and global markets.
Their work, Wena Waphakathi, is nothing short of outstanding. Ngako, siyababongela Wena Wekunene.”
