Over E300 million availed for MSMEs
The Government has unlocked E334 million in funding for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), in what officials describe as a major boost for entrepreneurship, especially in agriculture and agribusiness.
The announcement was made by Director of SMEs, Mluleki Dlamini, during the recent National Agriculture and Business Forum.
He emphasised that the country’s agro-based economy required a shift in strategy to ensure that agriculture becomes a key driver of business growth.
“The opportunities are there, but we need to change the narrative. Agriculture must be seen as a business, not just subsistence. Investment is the key to unlocking growth,” Dlamini said.
The E334 million envelope includes the E45 million Revolving Fund with EswatiniBank, the Youth Enterprise Fund, microfinance facilities, and export guarantee schemes.
These funds can be accessed by entrepreneurs with viable projects, though applicants will be required to undergo project assessments and comply with repayment terms.
Dlamini acknowledged challenges with some schemes, including high default rates under the Small-Scale Enterprise Loan Guarantee Scheme.
“We have seen a worrying number of defaults, which weakens the sustainability of these facilities. Entrepreneurs must approach these funds with seriousness, because they are designed to revolve and benefit others too,” he explained.
He also noted the need for stronger involvement from private venture capitalists and institutional investors, who could help expand the financing landscape.
The government’s broader aim is to leverage these financial resources to promote innovation, create jobs, and reduce poverty.
According to Dlamini, the E334 million pool, if used responsibly, could stimulate thousands of businesses and improve livelihoods across the country.
“We want to see more citizen ownership of enterprises, more co-operatives scaling up, and greater participation by youth and women. That is why we are coupling finance with policy support,” he said.
