A big opportunity for Eswatini MSMEs!
Entries are open for eligible Eswatini micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to participate in the Standard Bank Africa Business Awards 2026 and showcase their achievements on a continental platform.
Standard Bank Eswatini is participating in the Pan-African initiative by Standard Bank Group, which recognizes the role of MSMEs in driving economic growth across Africa. 
Businesses do not need to be Standard Bank customers to enter, and applications close on 31 October 2026.
Under the local campaign theme “Africa is Calling: Sabela and Grow Beyond Borders,” the Awards invite local businesses to share their stories of growth, innovation, resilience and impact, while connecting with opportunities across the continent.
Across Eswatini, MSMEs are turning ideas into enterprises, creating employment, strengthening local supply chains and contributing to their communities.
These businesses operate across agriculture, manufacturing, retail, tourism, technology, professional services and the creative industries, and play an important role in the country’s economic development.
The Awards provide a platform to recognize their contribution and share their stories with a wider African audience.
The 2026 Africa Business Awards will focus on the following award categories:
Agriculture
Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG)
Youth-led MSMEs
Women-led MSMEs
Construction
Winning businesses will receive continental recognition and the opportunity to showcase their achievements on one of Africa’s leading business platforms.
Mlamuli Hlatshwayo, Head of Business & Commercial Banking at Standard Bank Eswatini, said the Awards would recognize the contribution of local businesses and encourage them to consider opportunities beyond Eswatini:
“Africa is calling, and Eswatini’s businesses have stories worth sharing. Every day, MSMEs are creating jobs, solving problems and finding new ways to serve their communities.
“The Africa Business Awards celebrate that contribution and encourage businesses to consider opportunities across the continent. Sabela and Grow Beyond Borders is an invitation to answer that call.” Hlatshwayo said.
The programme also gives businesses opportunities to connect with entrepreneurs across Standard Bank’s African markets, exchange ideas, build relationships and explore new pathways for growth.
How to Apply
Entries are open to eligible MSMEs across Eswatini. Applicants do not need to be Standard Bank customers.
Businesses with a story of growth, innovation, resilience or impact are encouraged to apply and share their achievements on a broader African stage.
Closing date: 31 October 2026
Application portal: Standard Bank Africa Business Awards 2026 – AwardStage
Eligibility requirements and application guidance are available on the application portal.
Africa is Calling. Sabela and Grow Beyond Borders.
