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🚀MTN and SEDCO Honour Entrepreneurs at Cija Ngebhizinisi Business Awards

where small biz dreams are getting a serious glow-up

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Eswatini Edge
July 14, 2025

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In today’s email…

  • Eswatini’s Entrepreneurs Get a $10K Boost to Build the Future

  • Need-To-Know: Calling All Mbabane Dreamers - Your Hustle Starts Here!

Eswatini’s Entrepreneurs Get a $10K Boost to Build the Future 🚀

It’s time to shine a spotlight on Eswatini, where small biz dreams are getting a serious glow-up. MTN Eswatini and the Small Enterprises Development Company (SEDCO) just dropped E10,000 (that’s about USD 550) on each of five badass entrepreneurs through their Cija Ngebhizinisi programme. This isn’t just pocket change it’s fuel for the next big thing in Eswatini’s SME scene.

The Big Picture
Now in its eighth year, Cija Ngebhizinisi is like the ultimate startup bootcamp, serving up cash, training, and mentorship to local hustlers. This year’s winners - Siyabonga Dlamini, Thembi Mafu, Gugu, Lenhle Shandu, and Sikhanyiso Zwane are ready to take their businesses to the next level. Since the programme kicked off, it’s shelled out over E250,000 (roughly $13,800) and empowered 140+ entrepreneurs with the tools to scale. Talk about a game-changer for Eswatini’s economy.

What’s the Vibe?
SEDCO’s CEO, Khethiwe Mhlanga, is all in on this mission. She called the programme an “eight-year journey of empowering local businesses” and gave props to the MTN Foundation, judges, and the entrepreneurs themselves for bringing the heat. Her advice? Stay tight with your business advisors and reinvest that prize money like a boss. Oh, and SEDCO’s even got podcasts now to share knowledge with folks who don’t have radio access smart move.

MTN’s Sibusiso Nhleko, Head of Corporate Services, had some real talk: starting a business takes guts. “Entrepreneurs are the hope architects,” he said, pointing out how they spot problems, build solutions, and create jobs. He’s hyped about how far Cija Ngebhizinisi has come and even nudged winners to consider equity partners to level up. Plus, MTN’s Khanyisa App is out here giving entrepreneurs a tech edge to seize new opportunities.

Why It Matters
In a world where small businesses are the backbone of growth, initiatives like this are pure gold. These entrepreneurs aren’t just chasing profits they’re building Eswatini’s future, one hustle at a time.

Your Move
Got a side hustle itching to break out? Take a page from Eswatini’s playbook: find mentors, grab every resource, and don’t be afraid to think big. Who knows? You might be the next one cashing a check for your big idea.

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📬 Need-To-Know: Calling All Mbabane Dreamers – Your Hustle Starts Here!

MUNTFU LOMUSHA SUKUMA! 💥 If you’ve been sitting on a business idea or hustling without a clear plan it’s time to level up.

Kwakha Indvodza, in partnership with Mbabane Municipality, is offering an Entrepreneurship Training Program that goes beyond the basics. This isn’t your average “how to start a business” talk this is a full-force launchpad into real-world entrepreneurship.

🚀 What You’ll Learn:

  • Proposal & Business Plan Writing

  • Business Registration Know-How

  • Brand Creation that Actually Sells

  • Global GAP Certification

  • AI in Business (Yes, artificial intelligence is on the menu!)

  • Resilience in Business (because being your own boss ain’t always cute)

  • ...and more impactful topics to supercharge your journey.

🎯 Who Should Apply:

  • Young entrepreneurs aged 18–35

  • Aspiring business owners with a vision

  • Hustlers with drive but no clear roadmap
    (Mbabane residents only)

📅 Deadline to Register: 17 July 2025

👉 Secure your spot now: Click here to register

Got questions? Hit up 7975 1010 or 7603 4611

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