By Eswatini Sunday Reporter
Entrepreneurship has the potential to unlock many dreams for young people and act as a catalyst for job creation. In a world where employment opportunities have diminished, Eswatini Sunday in collaboration with the Youth Chamber of Commerce and Industries Eswatini (YCCIE) will be offering articles on how the youth can tap into this.
We are going to be running a series of articles that will help the youth establish businesses and help them knock on the right doors.
Part 1:
Amidst a vibrant gathering of young entrepreneurs, Sibusiso felt a spark of hope ignite within him. He had come to the Youth Chamber of Commerce and Industries Eswatini (YCCIE) Annual General Meeting seeking guidance, and his attention was now captivated by a woman whose words resonated with possibility.
Ms Ndlovu, representing YCCIE, confidently addressed the audience, her voice weaving a tapestry of ambition and opportunity.
She unfolded a blueprint for success, rooted in two key documents: the Eswatini National Development Plan (NDP) and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Policy.
Unleashing the Potential of the NDP and MSME Policy
“These documents are not merely words on paper,” Mrs Ndlovu asserted, her eyes scanning the eager faces before her.
ALSO READ: Manzini Municipality Conducts Youth Database Collection Programme
“They are catalysts for transformation, designed to empower Eswatini’s youth to become architects of economic prosperity.”
She proceeded to illuminate the specific opportunities embedded within the NDP and MSME Policy, grounding her insights with compelling statistics:
● NDP:
○ Targets a 5% annual growth rate for MSMEs, acknowledging their pivotal role in job creation and economic diversification.
○ Allocates E500 million (approximately $35 million) to support MSME development, underscoring the government’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
ALSO READ: PSPF pumps in E600k towards youth empowerment programme
● MSME Policy:
○ Aim to increase the contribution of MSMEs to GDP from 20% to 35% – a significant expansion of their economic footprint.
○ Seeks to create 50,000 new jobs annually through MSME growth, offering tangible opportunities for youth employment and empowerment.
○ Streamlines business registration processes, reducing the time and costs associated with starting and operating an MSME.
○ Enhances access to finance for MSMEs, addressing a critical barrier to growth and expansion.
A Resonant Call to Eswatini Youth
As Mrs. Ndlovu concluded her presentation, she extended a heartfelt invitation to the youth of Eswatini:
“These opportunities are yours to seize. Embrace the NDP and MSME Policy as your allies. Harness their power to transform your dreams into thriving businesses. Together, we can build a vibrant Eswatini, where youth entrepreneurship is the cornerstone of economic prosperity.”
Sibusiso felt a surge of inspiration course through him. The roadmap to success was becoming clearer, and he was determined to navigate it.
He eagerly awaited the next sessions, where Ms Ndlovu would delve into the Eswatini AfCFTA Implementation Strategy and the value chain opportunities it held for young entrepreneurs like him.
The journey from Tinkhundla to the townhouse had begun, and Sibusiso was ready to pave his path towards a brighter future.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll explore the exciting realm of the AfCFTA and its potential to unlock new horizons for Eswatini’s youth entrepreneurs.
