The Minister for Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo revealed that 362 applications were received nationally for this year’s Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, with 101 entries coming from the Manzini Region.
Business services accounted for the highest number of entries, followed by retail and agriculture.
He also welcomed the growing participation of women entrepreneurs, noting that 56 of the 101 Manzini entries were submitted by women, representing 55 per cent of the region’s applications.
“What stands out most is that 56 of the 101 are women, which is about 55 per cent, a steady majority in keeping with a pattern we have now seen in every region this edition,” he said. 
Khumalo said businesses operating in Manzini were strategically positioned to benefit from their proximity to the country’s industrial base, whether supplying manufacturers, providing services or taking advantage of the confidence created by the region’s strong commercial activity.
Moreover, reflecting on the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards’ 20-year journey, the Minister said the competition had become a respected platform for recognising business excellence and inspiring entrepreneurship.
He said every finalist had already distinguished themselves by participating in a competition that was independently judged through a rigorous assessment process.
The Minister also acknowledged the programme’s partners, thanking FNB Eswatini and the FNB Foundation for investing more than E2 million as the awards’ 20th anniversary legacy partner.
He also recognised the support of the Eswatini National Provident Fund, Taiwan ICDF, FINCORP and Infinity Links, while commending SEDCO for coordinating the programme across the country’s regions.
He concluded by assuring entrepreneurs that government would continue working alongside them to unlock opportunities for business growth and strengthen the contribution of MSMEs to Eswatini’s economy.
