by Ncaba Ntshakala
Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Lin Chia-lung, has announced a fresh $500,000 (approximately E9.3 million) injection into Eswatini’s Women’s Micro-Financing Revolving Fund, which was hailed as it fortifies his country’s commitment to women and youth empowerment in the Kingdom.
Dr Lin made such a major announcement as he was speaking during the Taiwan ICDF Achievement Presentation of the Women’s Micro-Financing Revolving Fund held at Sibane Sami.
He expressed deep admiration for the resilience of Eswatini’s rural women and their ability to transform micro-loans into powerful tools for development.
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“Today, I am happy to announce that Taiwan will inject another $500,000 into the fund,” said Dr Lin. “This investment will extend the outreach of the program and once again demonstrates that Taiwan and Eswatini are committed to economic empowerment and sustainable development.”
Dr Lin, who is in the country for a five-day working visit and will attend His Majesty King Mswati III’s 57th birthday celebrations on Friday, praised the initiative for its visible impact on communities.
“Through micro-loans and training, the program has helped women achieve economic independence,” he said, noting the long-term benefits for both households and national economic growth.
In a touching moment during his speech, the Minister shared the story of Nomfundo Mabuza, a rural entrepreneur who expanded her mustard and vegetable garden through the fund.
“She not only improved the living standards of her own family, but also hired other women to work for her, creating more jobs,” he said. Mabuza was so grateful that she named her newborn baby “Taiwan.”
“What moved me even more was that she named her newborn baby Taiwan, to thank Taiwan for helping her expand her business,” Dr Lin told the audience, adding that Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be purchasing some of her products for promotion in Taiwan.
The Revolving Fund, established with a $1 million investment from Taiwan in 2023, has focused on women and youth in rural areas, enabling them to start businesses and build livelihoods.
“The story illustrates the importance of women’s empowerment,” said Dr Lin. “We hope that when women are given opportunities, they not only improve their own lives, but they also help their families, strengthen their communities, and make a positive contribution to the whole country.”
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He thanked Eswatini’s government, particularly Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla and Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo, for their support of the fund.
“Our partnership allows Taiwan to contribute to Eswatini,” he said, stressing the strong ties between the two countries.
“The partnership between Taiwan and Eswatini is based on trust, cooperation, and mutual prosperity. Indeed, we are a family.”
The ceremony was also attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu, beneficiaries, government officials, and the Taiwan Technical Mission.
