His Majesty King Mswati III has emphasized the importance of timely payments to entrepreneurs, warning that delays can have severe consequences on jobs, livelihoods, and small businesses in Eswatini. Speaking at the 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (EYA) gala dinner at Ezulwini Palazzo, the king highlighted the impact of delayed payments on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which are crucial drivers of the country's economic growth.
The king noted that entrepreneurs play a vital role in supporting families, employing young people, and contributing to the national economy. He stressed that delayed payments not only affect businesses but also put pressure on workers and households that rely on them. To address this issue, His Majesty announced a newly-available reporting line at the Small Enterprises Development Company (SEDCO) for entrepreneurs experiencing late or non-payment by government, public enterprises, and corporations.
King Mswati III also called for stronger support for local businesses through improved access to finance and procurement opportunities. He encouraged large companies to integrate smaller enterprises into their supply chains as suppliers and business partners. This, he believes, will help expand economic participation and create opportunities for Emaswati. The king pointed to the Citizens Economic Empowerment Act and the National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Policy 2024–2029 as important frameworks for improving access to finance, markets, and digital opportunities.
The 2026 EYA awards attracted 362 entrepreneurs from across Eswatini's four regions, with women accounting for 64% of participants. The awards recognize businesses that have made significant contributions to the country's economy. His Majesty commended SEDCO for organizing the awards over the past 20 years and thanked sponsors, particularly First National Bank Eswatini and the FNB Foundation, for their support.
Wandile Dlamini of Notsa Eswatini Traditional Attire was crowned the 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year, earning national recognition for his growing traditional clothing business. Dlamini's business employs 23 people and continues to expand its operations, amid growing demand for locally produced traditional clothing. He expressed his gratitude for the recognition and emphasized that the business's impact on employees mattered more to him than just winning the award.
The king also encouraged entrepreneurs to expand beyond the domestic market by taking advantage of opportunities under the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), Southern African Development Community (SADC), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He further urged businesses to embrace digital platforms, e-commerce, social media, and artificial intelligence while taking precautions against fraud.
The 2026 awards saw a total sponsorship of E2.241 million, including E2 million from FNB Eswatini. His Majesty challenged entrepreneurs to expand their operations, create employment, pay suppliers on time, and contribute to the country's economic development, calling for the next 20 years of entrepreneurship in Eswatini to be even more ambitious.
Key points
- King Mswati III urges government and corporations to pay entrepreneurs on time to avoid threatening jobs and livelihoods.
- The 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards attracted 362 entrepreneurs from across Eswatini's four regions.
- Wandile Dlamini of Notsa Eswatini Traditional Attire was crowned the 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year.
