I will be Eswatini’s first billionaire – Duncan Dlamini EYA winner
By Delisa Magagula
“My vision is to become the first billionaire in Eswatini, the very one His Majesty speaks about.”
Those were the bold words of Duncan Dlamini, founder of DJD Investments, moments after being crowned Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 at a glittering ceremony held at the Mavuso Trade Centre on Friday night.
The event took place in the presence of His Majesty King Mswati III at the Mavuso Exhibition Centre, where he graced the occasion to honour the country’s leading business minds.
Dlamini walked away with a brand-new Toyota Hilux worth E600,000, among other prizes, including a cash reward of E45,000, after dominating the competition.
When his name was announced, Dlamini appeared momentarily stunned. It took him a few seconds to register the victory.
As he made his way to the stage, he admitted later that he was shaking while turning the ignition of the Hilux during the symbolic handover.
“I was in disbelief. Every business here tonight was strong. I truly didn’t see this coming. I’m humbled and grateful,” he said.
Worth noting, the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (EYA) were established by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade in partnership with key private sector stakeholders to recognise, reward, and promote excellence in entrepreneurship across Eswatini.
Since their inception in 2004, the awards have grown into one of the country’s most respected business recognition platforms.
They aim to encourage innovation, job creation, and sustainable enterprise development, particularly among small and medium-sized businesses.
Each year, entrepreneurs from various sectors compete in categories that highlight the diversity and strength of Eswatini’s business landscape. Meanwhile, Dlamini’s business journey began with almost nothing.
“My business is from humble beginnings. We started small, and to be standing here today, recognised in front of His Majesty, means the world to me,” he said.
According to invited guests, his story mirrors the resilience of many Eswatini entrepreneurs who have built their businesses from the ground up.
Dlamini said the recognition wasn’t just personal, it was a victory for every young person dreaming of making a mark in the country’s growing business landscape.
“This shows that hard work pays off, no matter where you come from. It’s possible,” he said.
He took a moment to thank the judges for recognising his work and expressed deep appreciation to His Majesty King Mswati III for his continued vision and support of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“We are thankful for His Majesty’s leadership and his unwavering belief in entrepreneurs. His encouragement drives us to think bigger and work harder,” Dlamini said.
DJD Investments, Dlamini’s company, is a fast-growing agribusiness specialising in breeding, raising, and processing pigs. The firm supplies premium pork products to leading retailers and butcheries across Eswatini.
Founded in 2017, DJD Investments has steadily expanded its operations, now distributing over 80 pig carcasses weekly.
The business employs 18 local youths full-time and hires several seasonal workers during busy production periods.
Dlamini said one of his biggest motivations was creating opportunities for others.
“When we started, it was just three of us. Today, we’re a team that feeds our families and contributes to the economy. That’s what business should be about empowerment and impact,” he said.
Sustainability has also been central to DJD Investments’ success. The company has invested in environmentally friendly waste management systems to reduce pollution and maintain high hygiene standards.
“We want to grow, but responsibly. Agriculture must work hand in hand with the environment,” he said.
After the announcement, Dlamini was surrounded by cheering relatives, friends, and team members. His family described the moment as emotional and well-deserved.
“We’ve watched him pour everything into this business. He has faced challenges but never given up. This win is for every sleepless night and every sacrifice,” said Sipho Dlamini, a friend who had come to support him.
Dlamini dedicated the award to his family, staff, and community.
“This is not my win alone. It belongs to everyone who has supported me, my team, my family, my friends, and even our customers. They are the reason DJD keeps moving forward,” he said.
The EYA celebrates Eswatini’s most innovative and resilient businesses across multiple sectors. Categories this year included Street Vendor, People Living with Disabilities, Youth-Owned Business, Woman-Owned Business, Agribusiness, Green Business, and Most Innovative Business.
The ceremony brought together hundreds of entrepreneurs from all corners of the country, each with a story of perseverance and growth.
Officials from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade commended all participants for their contributions to job creation and economic growth.
Dlamini’s recognition as the overall winner was widely applauded, with organisers describing him as a true example of dedication and vision.
“Duncan represents what entrepreneurship in Eswatini is all about hard work, innovation, and community upliftment,” said one of the judges.
While the prizes, the Toyota Hilux and the cash reward, were tangible reminders of success, Dlamini said the award itself was his biggest motivation to keep going.
“This tells me we’re on the right track. It’s not the end; it’s just the beginning,” he said.
He added that his next goal is to scale DJD Investments into one of the largest agribusinesses in the region, expanding production and value-added processing to export markets.
“We want to see our products in neighbouring countries one day. That’s the dream,” he said.
The night ended with laughter, music, and celebrations, but for Dlamini, the moment carried a deeper meaning proof that vision, persistence, and faith can turn humble beginnings into extraordinary success.
